• My account
NZ Autocar
Subscribe

No products in the cart.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Industry
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Utes | Vans
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Brands
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • My account
NZ Autocar
SUBSCRIBE
No Result
View All Result
Home Main Categories Motorsport

Top Kiwi motocross star stranded in Italy over MIQ lottery system

Words: Zane Shackleton

by Matthew Hansen
October 26, 2021

Courtney Duncan is on top of the world right now.

The Kiwi motocross rider won her third successive women’s world championship over the weekend in Italy.

Now begins her next race: trying to get home.

Like several top-tier New Zealand athletes, getting back into the country after competing overseas is becoming increasingly difficult.

For many athletes, the reality is there are no special reserved MIQ spots for them. It means they must join thousands of stranded Kiwis in a virtual lottery system for a limited number of hotel rooms.

Duncan does not currently have a golden ticket MIQ voucher that secures her return home.

She will be vying for a voucher over the next few weeks.

However, for Motorcycle New Zealand’s women’s commission, that isn’t enough.

“The fact that Courtney might be stuck in Europe is extremely problematic and it would be great to see one of New Zealand’s best motorsport competitors back home,” commissioner Sandra Perry said.

“Courtney has been trying to secure a place in MIQ since before leaving for Europe and has kept up the applications while competing. However, the faulty system hasn’t been forthcoming with a spot.”

If Duncan cannot bag a MIQ voucher soon, she faces the possibility of overstaying her current work visa.

Overstaying her visa means Duncan won’t be allowed to return to Europe next year and defend her title.

Not all Kiwi sports stars are affected in the same way as Duncan. Teams like the All Blacks and Black Caps have secured MIQ spots once they return from their respective competitions.

“It seems strange that high profile sportspeople and teams don’t have the same issue,” Perry said.

“MNZ’s Women’s Commission would like to see all athletes representing New Zealand at world championship events treated equally, especially women competitors.

“It’s time the MIQ system was fixed.”

Previous Post

Mazda set to make at least one more ‘purist’ petrol MX-5

Next Post

Buell emerges again phoenix like

NZ Autocar is New Zealand’s leading automotive magazine. Delivering news reviews from the automotive world, including commentary from leading automotive writers and covers the scope of motoring including new cars, classic cars, EVs and motorbikes.

Our team

Managing Editor: Richard Edwards
General Manager: Gavin Shaw
Editor: Kyle Cassidy
Senior Editor: Peter Louisson
Creative Director: Alex Schultz

To Subscribe

Subscribe

Contact Us

Advertising:
Gavin Shaw
[email protected]
.
Editorial:
Kyle Cassidy
[email protected]
.
NZ Autocar
PO Box 18121
Glen Innes
Auckland 1743
New Zealand

Categories

Useful Links

Home
News
Motorsport
Search Manufacturer
Search reviews
New Car Prices
New Bike Prices
Industry
Commercial
Subscriptions
Competitions
Contact Us
Advertising
Terms and Conditions

2025 © AUTOCAR 2024 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • News
    • Industry
  • Reviews
  • Electric
  • Utes | Vans
  • Bikes
  • Classics
  • Motorsport
  • Brands
  • Prices
    • New Car Prices
    • New Bike Prices
  • My account

2025 © AUTOCAR 2024 LIMITED. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.