Burt Munro Challenge 2022 event cancelled

The 2022 Burt Munro Challenge event has been cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic and uncertainty around the new Covid19 protection framework.

It will be the first time the Burt Munro Challenge has been cancelled since it began in 2006.

Challenge committee chairman Craig Hyde said the decision was made at a committee meeting this week. ‘‘We’re absolutely gutted that it’s come to this but with a nationally significant event of this magnitude, it’s the right thing to do.

‘‘The Government’s new traffic light system policy is mandatory for events to follow but it creates uncertainty, making it difficult to plan ahead. It doesn’t guarantee competitors and spectators will be able to travel from out of region to the event.

‘‘We also foresee changes will be required in some of our management systems including ticketing, registration, security, and include alterations to infrastructure.’’

The country will move to a new traffic-light system that replaces the alert level system when 90 per cent of each DHB’s eligible population is double-dosed.

The new system will allow fully-vaccinated people to enjoy most freedoms at every level, through the use of vaccine certificates.

The committee did consider postponing the event or reducing the size to include only some of the racing program, but in the end, cancelling was seen as the only option available.

‘‘We know the Southland community will be disappointed the event has been cancelled.

‘‘We receive a lot of support to execute the Burt and in turn support a lot of business and community groups.

‘‘Having the motorcycle community pilgrimage their way south from as far as Cape Reinga to soak up the Burt experience, watch the races, socialise at the rally, catch up and tell a few yarns is all part of the experience.’’

Great South tourism and events general manager Bobbi Brown said the cancellation was totally understandable but would have a significant impact on the Southland economy. ‘‘It’s a huge loss. We can only hope we get back to some kind of normality in the next year, and the event will return in full swing in 2023.’’

When the Government provides clarity to the events sector, the Burt Munro Committee will begin preparations for the 2023 event, Hyde said.