News & Updates

Athletics Auckland has adapted with impressive speed as the region moves to an Alert Level 3 Step 2 with clubs ramping up activity in the region and the centre preparing to host a series of short, sharp meets to kick off the track and field season.

With gatherings of 25 people now allowed, Athletics Auckland has shown great initiative proposing a series of tightly-controlled events across four venues in the city ready to go as soon as this Saturday, pending final approval from the Auckland Track and Field Committee overnight.

Massey Park in Papakura will host distance events, Yvette Williams Track in Pakuranga and AUT Millennium on the North Shore will put on a selection of distance, throws and jumps events with Mt Smart Stadium staging sprint and relay events.

Athletics NZ CEO Pete Pfitzinger was delighted to see Athletics Auckland moving rapidly to ensure competition for the region’s athletes: “The move to Alert Level 3 Step 2 presents an opportunity for some athletics to be delivered in a controlled and safe manner, we are extremely supportive of Athletics Auckland, and we know that many athletes across Tāmaki Makaurau will be keen to participate.”

Athletes across the Auckland region were also excited about the competitive opportunities, with emerging Para athlete Paddy Walsh from North Harbour Bays adding: “I am so keen to get out and race again! Both 2020 and 2021 have been challenging with lots of cancelled events and extended lockdowns, but I’ve kept training hard, and this is an awesome opportunity to see where I am at.”

Planning for these events has been underway for some weeks, according to Athletics Auckland chairperson, David Sim. “The plan we have put together is from a collaborative exercise between Athletics NZ, and Athletics Auckland’s Senior and Junior Track and Field Sections. The plan continues the emphasis on Health and Safety and provides an opportunity for athletes of all ages, administrators, coaches and parents to give athletics a go this summer, at club and centre level. Our special thanks to the volunteers and our officials who give their time freely to make athletics happen.”

More information on the Athletics Auckland Level 3 Step 2 events – which could begin as soon as Saturday and are planned for the next month – can be seen here.

More on our guide for athletics at an Alert Level 3 Step 2 can be seen here.