Hampton Downs, Highlands confirm attendees must be vaccinated

Officials from Hampton Downs Motorsport Park and Highlands Motorsport Park have confirmed that those visiting the two racing venues from December 3 onwards will need to display a My Vaccine Pass to be granted entry. 

The inevitable announcement follows confirmation from MotorSport New Zealand that those watching, volunteering, and competing in motorsport events will need to have been fully vaccinated from December 3 onwards. 

“As we have done since the first COVID outbreak in 2020, we have been implementing the COVID Alert Levels and subsequently will be continuing with the Covid Protection Framework Traffic Light System, as mandated by the Government, for the safety of our team and customers,” said Hampton Downs and Highlands Motorsport Park organisers in a release. 

The firm added that the news also applies to its two Game Over go-karting facilities in Auckland and in Queenstown. The move applies to every person over the age of 12 years and 3 months.

“To meet our obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and to protect our team members, customers, and the ongoing viability of our businesses, Highlands, Hampton Downs, and both Game Overs are implementing the traffic light system, which will require the My Vaccine Pass,” organisers added.

“The COVID-19 Protection Framework signals a new chapter in NZ’s response to COVID-19. The new Framework allows businesses to open and operate in a way that is as close to normal for vaccinated people while minimising the virus’ spread. This helps keep vulnerable people and those that can’t be vaccinated right now safe.

“We are committed to getting as many people back over all aspects of our parks, with as many mates as they want, as often as they like, no matter what part of NZ they are from, as soon as we possibly can.”

Auckland moves from Alert Level 3 into the ‘Red Light’ stage this coming Friday, December 3. Waikato and Cromwell, where Hampton Downs and Highlands are situated, will start at the ‘Orange Light’ stage on the same day. 

Under Red Light conditions, Vaccine Certificate events can host up to 100 people. Under Orange Light conditions, there is no attendance limit for Vaccine Certificate events. Those wanting to host an event without Vaccine Certificate status have to wait until Green Light conditions are declared to be able to do so.