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1029 days ago

Motatapu running event cancelled for second time in two years due to Covid-19 regulations

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from Otago News

The Motatapu run and bike event in Queenstown has been cancelled for the second time in two years due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Event organisers “went down every avenue” but pulled the pin on the March event on Wednesday .

Organisers were “incredibly sad and disappointed” to cancel the event, they said in an email to participants.

“We have been doing our due diligence since the country moved to the Covid-19 protection framework red setting to try and deliver an event, which is not only safe but adheres to the government guidelines.

“We really went down every avenue to give you the opportunity to get out into our stunning high-country stations... But unfortunately, this is just not possible within the government protocols.”

The event attracts nearly 4000 competitors and this year had a new cycle track on exclusive country around the back of Queenstown’s Coronet Peak.

Organisers tried several strategies to fit within the level red regulations, but said they could not make it safe enough for athletes.

“We have been working through scenarios including, pods of 100, large holding areas at the start, separate registration areas, separated waves, a two-day format, starting far earlier than normal and finishing in the late evening.

“Also, the sheer volume of competitors we have moving through the courses makes it impossible to prevent convergence of 100 person pods and the potential spread of Covid-19 amongst our athletes.”

The event did not qualify for the government event Insurance scheme, which was set up for events of more than 5000 paid competitors.

The event is set to take place in March next year. Competitors can use this year’s entry for the following year or choose a refund of only 60 per cent.

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6 hours ago

Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

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6 hours ago

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15 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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