The Covid-19 pandemic 2020 to ?

The covid-19 pandemic’s effect on our small club resulted in no meetings for four months, from March to July.

For our members, there was no recreational flying permitted for two months during Alert Levels 4 and 3.

In May, we moved to Alert Level 2, with no restrictions on recreational flying and members were relieved to be flying again. However, restrictions for personal spacing, recording of movements and contact details continued.

On 9 June, we moved to Alert Level 1 and now able to fly anywhere without any restrictions.

On 12 August we moved to Alert Level 2 with the same requirements as above.

On 22 September we moved to Alert Level 1 and again able to fly anywhere without any restrictions.

2021

On 15 February we moved to Alert Level 2 due to cases in Auckland.

On 18 February we moved to Alert Level 1.

On 28 February we moved to Alert Level 2, again due to cases in Auckland.

On 7 March we moved to Alert Level 1.

On 18 August we moved to Alert Level 4 due to cases in Auckland.

On 1 September we moved to Alert Level 3.

On 8 September we moved to Alert Level 2.

On 3 December our Government moved from the ‘Alert Level’ system to the new ‘Protection Framework (‘Traffic Lights’) system – ref: www.aviation.govt.nz Covid-19. We were put in the ‘Orange Light’ level and can fly anywhere, with some restrictions depending on pilot and passengers being ‘fully vaccinated’ or not.

2022

On 24 December 2021 we moved to ‘Red Light’ level, due to the new variant ‘Omicron’, with flying restrictions same as above. Gatherings are limited depending on people attending being fully vaccinated or not.

On 5 April being fully vaccinated is no longer a requirement and ‘My Vaccine Pass’ no longer needed. ‘Red Light’ level remains.

On 14 April we moved to ‘Orange Light’ level. Gatherings are no longer limited.

On 2 May NZ opened it’s borders to visitors from 60 approved countries. People testing positive for Covid 19 and those who have had close contact with them, are able to self isolate for seven days.

On 13 September The ‘Traffic Lights” system was discontinued.

2023

On 14 February cyclone Gabrielle struck with resulting catastrophes in Hawkes Bay. Hastings airfield suffered some flooding affecting the southern area for the first time in history. The airfield was set up as an evacuation and supply centre resulting in much traffic for some weeks. Restrictions due to flooding were lifted in late March.