New Zealand Surfing 2021 Primary School Champs cancelled

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

New Zealand Surfing has cancelled the 2021 Primary School Champs, scheduled for December 4 and 5.

Gisborne Boardriders Club social development officer Flo Bub said the decision was made in consultation with Surfing New Zealand.

“We're totally gutted, obviously, but it's totally understandable.”

The event is reguarly held in Gisborne because the conditions in the region at that time of year are “perfect” for the young surfers to show off their talents, Bub said.

In a statement made to Facebook, New Zealand Surfing said they made the decision after changing government announcements on vaccine certificates “changed the events landscape”, with the decision date of the implementation of the traffic light system (November 29) giving less than a week to organise.

“We do not have the time to consult with staff, sign off a COVID policy and put (it) in place prior to the event.

“To run the event under the CPF (Covid protection framework) but without using Covid Verification Certificates would be irresponsible for our travelling surfing community and also our hosts Tairawhiti.”