Q1. Will nationals only happen at Level 1 is there a possibility that it might happen in a special way at level 2?
Waka Ama Sprint Nationals will only take place from Sunday 16th to Saturday 23rd January 2022 if Aotearoa is in COVID Level 1
Q2. How much notice will we get of Nationals cannot happen?
We will give you as much notice as possible. Keeping in mind that we are organising the event as if it is going ahead. Should Aotearoa change levels to 2 or higher in the weeks and days leading up to the event we will then inform our clubs of the outcome in relation to Sprint Nationals
Q3. What happens if an area in NZ in in Alert Level 2, but the rest of the country is in Alert Level 1?
Waka Ama Sprint Nationals will not proceed as a ‘National Championship’ unless all our regions, clubs and paddlers have the opportunity to attend. The Board of Waka Ama New Zealand may consider hosting a modified format event for participation purposes.
Q4. Is there a a chance that Nationals might be postponed, i.e. to March oe would it just be a straight cancellation?
No – We will not be able to postpone Nationals because we have other calendered events – eg; Secondary School Nationals (29 March to 1st April)
Q5. If Nationals is cancelled will we get a refund of our entry fees?
Yes, we will provide a full refund if it is cancelled before Thursday 13th January.
Q6. Will we get a refund for our ID cards if Nationals is cancelled?
No – ID Cards will already be printed and will be posted out to each club and can be used at a later date
Q7. What will happen if our W1 Regionals cannot go-ahead?
We will work with each region with regard to their W1 qualifying events. If W1 qualifiers are unable to take place at all due to COVID, we may consider holding nationals without a W1 event.
Q8. What other safety measures will be in place at Lake Karāpiro?
We will provide QR codes and the second form of record-keeping as per mandatory record-keeping requirements. We will provide hand sanitising stations, promote social distancing and use of masks where appropriate. All our volunteers will be briefed in COVID-19 protocols and ensure measures are adhered to. The venue facilities will be cleaned and sanitised regularly.More information will be supplied closer to the event
Q9. Can we use cash onsite at Karāpiro?
Yes, however, the preferred option for payment will be by card
Q10. Will the waka be washed/sanitised at Nationals?
Hand sanitiser stations will be provided in the loading bay area for people to sanitise before and after their races.
Q11. What happens to the world qualifiers if the Sprint Nationals does not go ahead?
If the Sprint Nationals does not go ahead, Waka Ama NZ will confirm a process to confirm the Worlds Qualifiers.
Q12. What happens if we change Alert Levels during the week when the event is on?
Racing will cease depending on the time of day and we will work with clubs and the venue to ensure that everyone is notified and returns home safely. We will abide by all information and instructions provided by the government and health authorities.
Contact admin@wakaama.co.nz if you have any further questions.
