Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) has made the decision to cancel the 2021 Ford National Hockey Championship (NHC) due to take place in Tauranga on the 14-20 November.
Since postponing the tournament from its original date in September, HNZ has worked hard to make the new dates work. However, Ken Maplesden, GM – Community & Events, has indicated that despite best efforts, the ongoing challenges posed by the current COVID-19 outbreak meant the new dates were also unworkable.
“The future uncertainty regarding a return to play for teams in the Auckland, Northland, and Waikato regions as well as the current border restrictions in place, has unfortunately meant that cancellation is the obvious course of action.”
Maplesden acknowledged the hard work that has gone on behind the scenes from all the participating associations and partners, in particular Tauranga Hockey, Tauranga City Council, TECT, Trillian Trust, Ford and many other local supporters.
“We appreciate this news is extremely disappointing for all involved, including our players; coaches; officials; association staff; and commercial and funding partners. We are excited that we can return to Tauranga in February for the National Masters Tournament.”
HNZ is looking forward to a full year of delivering world-class international and domestic events, including the Ford NHC, in 2022.
