2022 Event Cancelled
Kia Ora E Te Whanau,
Earlier today, our Whakatane Charitable Trust Association committee met to discuss the future of the 2022 Whakatane January Touch Tournament, scheduled for Saturday 8th January 2022.
After careful consideration of feedback from many of our participating clubs, and thorough examination of the Covid Protection Framework (Traffic Light system) – we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2022 Whakatane January Touch Tournament.
We are saddened to have to make this decision and know many of our Touch Whanau share this feeling. There will be many questions and possible alternatives for how this tournament can still go ahead.
Limited resources and manpower, the possibility of further increasing the COVID-19 cases in a community with low vaccination rates, and the uncertainty surrounding government event requirements are some of the discussions shared in our meeting this morning.
The committee did seriously consider the possibility of postponement, with dates fitting within other sports and social commitments. Unfortunately, there is little guarantee that the current situation will change in time for these dates.
The committee also discussed the possibility of reducing the tournament size. However, this would restrict spectator attendance at the fields and take away from the traditional Whakatane Jan Tournament experience.
For these reasons, majority voted to cancel the tournament.
Like many other Touch events, this tournament was built on fun festivities, celebrations of the talent within our Touch community, and an opportunity to play the best in a safe environment.
We hold little confidence that we can maintain this kaupapa - given the current uncertainties and restrictions – and continue to run such a large-scale event. The committee also feel strongly in protecting our local and touch communities, especially our most vulnerable - kaumatua, kuia & tamariki.
As a committee, we appreciate and acknowledge the amount of time and effort that goes into arranging campaigns such as ours. So, for that, we would like to extend our gratitude to all our participating clubs, spectators, supporters, and referees for the work they have put into this tournament. We wish you all the best for this Touch season and we hope to be back with a bang.
We have now started planning toward 2023 Whakatane January Tournament - returning on Saturday 7th January 2023!
We look forward to sharing more information on this in the coming year and hope we can share in this festival with our whanau living overseas.
Thanks again for your support and understanding. Please stay safe, look after one another, and have an awesome summer break!
