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Essential maintenance of golf courses and bowls greens will be able to go ahead after-all.
Turf maintenance had not been considered an essential service, meaning golf courses and other sports turfs have been abandoned during lockdown.
Golfing bodies had raised concern this could lead to long term damage to courses, which many clubs would not be able to afford to repair.
The Sport and Recreation Minister Grant Robertson now says maintenance can go ahead after Easter.
“The Government has agreed that urgent upkeep and maintenance of biological assets will be able to go ahead after the Easter Weekend. This includes non-plantation nurseries, stadia turf, and golf and bowling club turf maintenance,” said Robertson.
“I understand the implications if the maintenance does not occur regularly, including for community organisations, which is why we have moved quickly on these decisions.”
“However I ask those wanting to undertake the maintenance to wait until the criteria has been published – we need to ensure there are clear guidelines for the health and safety of the community and turf management workers. There will be clear restrictions on any activity that is allowed.” he said.