Another major motorsport event in New Zealand has fallen victim to COVID-19, and the country's rescheduled federal election, with Targa New Zealand put on hold.
"It is with a heavy heart and realisation we announce that the Targa NZ event due for October 2020 will not be able to run on the set dates," event manager, Peter Martin, said.
"Given the recent COVID-19 Level 3 restrictions around the Auckland region and the Level 2 restrictions across the wider country, we are not able to continue with the resident consultation process scheduled at this time to meet the requirements set out by the local councils from whom we obtain the road closures.
"Added to this is the delay of the election to the 17th October, which now falls within the planned event dates. The effect to the wider communities trying to get out to vote on the day means that a number of the roads we have applied for which encompass facilities, such as schools being used as Polling Booths, are now no longer available.
"There is always a degree of uncertainty around any election as customers wait to see the outcome before committing to any business investment or expenditure, let alone any time for fun, and this has never been more evident than now with the added disruption to businesses that COVID-19 has caused.
"We are currently looking at alternative dates that could work. However, with the speed with which the COVID-19 virus can return and with the long lead times required by councils for road closure applications to be processed, we are not yet in a position to set an alternative date that we can be confident will eventuate."
Event organisers have started a survey to assist with setting dates for their next event.
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Author
Luke Whitten
Luke is part of the third generation of the RallySport Magazine team and holds a degree in marketing & communications.
Luke is part of the third generation of the RallySport Magazine team and holds a degree in marketing & communications.
