Originally scheduled from 31 March to 3 April 2022, the premier golfing event New Zealand Open has been cancelled. 

The New Zealand Open, held in Queenstown is an iconic event on the NZ sporting calendar. It has been a regular fixture on the PGA Tour of Australasia tournament schedule since the 1970s. 

The decision has been taken due to the continued border entry restrictions for international players and the whole of NZ currently being under the Red Light setting. The cancellation is in a long series of various other cultural/music event cancellations including the Auckland Lantern Festival, South Island Wine and Food Festival and many other small to big events. 

Recognising the challenges of organising a major sporting event with international players, NZ Open chairman John Hart said, “We have done everything within our power to make this event happen. However, with the current government restrictions in place, running an event that includes 250 players, 250 caddies, 500 volunteers, nearly 100 tournament staff and officials, plus numerous contractors, as well of course spectators, is just not possible.”

Queenstown Lakes District Mayor Jim Boult also expressed his frustration at the cancellation and thanked organisers for their commitment to holding future events in Queenstown.

Mayor Boult acknowledged the adverse effect that the cancellation of various events will have for the district.

“Today’s news that the NZ Open has been cancelled is another huge blow following similar announcements from Warbirds over Wanaka, the Gibbston Valley Winery Summer Concert, Challenge Wanaka, Queenstown Home Show and several others,” Boult said.

“Collectively these events would have brought enjoyment to many thousands of visitors and locals as well as injecting millions of much-needed dollars into the district’s economy... While these latest cancellations have knocked us back once again I remain optimistic that things will get better.

“I take heart from our outstanding local vaccination rate which I feel shows a resolute commitment among our community that we’re ready to welcome visitors and major events back just as soon as that’s possible. I’d also like to praise the hard work and creativity of the NZ Open team, Millbrook Resort and all other event organisers who have been trying their absolute best to adapt their plans to enable the show to go on, as well as the support of their various sponsors and funding bodies.”