Coronavirus: Rowing's Maadi Cup cancelled as school sports suspended

Rowing's Maadi Cup has been cancelled as School Sport New Zealand has suspended all events on its national calendar as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

This means one of the biggest school events in the Southern Hemisphere on Lake Ruataniwha later this month is affected.

"Rowing NZ understands this will have significant impact upon school rowing programmes but remain supportive of the government's COVID-19 containment initiatives. More information will be shared in due course," a statement said.

The North Island and South Island Secondary Schools Athletics Championships have also been cancelled this morning.

The North Island event was set to take place in Hamilton and the South Island championships in Christchurch on April 4-5.

"We understand that this will lead to disappoint for many of our athletics community, however we fully support the stance of Government and School Sport NZ in the interest the health and well-being of our students, teachers, schools, officials, volunteers, coaches, family members and others in attendance," a statement said.

Water polo and volleyball championships in Auckland and Palmerston North respectively have also been hit.

The decision will be reviewed on April 6.

Events where alternative dates aren't possible will be cancelled.