The America's Cup racing can go ahead and fans can get back in the stands when the change in Covid-19 alert levels kicks in on Sunday.
Team New Zealand Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The government's announcement of a shift in Covid-19 alert levels of Auckland from level 3 to level 2, and the rest of New Zealand from level 2 to level 1, as of 6am on Sunday means scheduled sport is given a boost.
The racing between Team New Zealand and Italy's Luna Rossa for the 36th America's Cup on the Waitemata Harbour can start on Wednesday 10 March - without crowds.
The best of 13 series was delayed while Auckland was at alert level 3.
Two races are scheduled a day, and weather-permitting, day two of racing will be 12 March and racing will take place daily after that.
Racing under alert level 2 will be restricted to either Race Course A or E.
The America's Cup Race Village on the Auckland waterfront will remain closed.
Crusaders' Codie Taylor. Photo: PhotoSport / Andrew Cornaga
The move to alert level 1 allows crowds at Sunday's international cricket T20 double-header in Wellington between the Black Caps and Australia, followed by White Ferns and England.
Spectators can attend Sunday's rescheduled Super Rugby Aotearoa game between the Crusaders and Hurricanes in Christchurch as well as the final Constellation Cup netball game between the Silver Ferns and Australian Diamonds in Christchurch.
Netball New Zealand head of events Kate Agnew said it was pleasing to be able to close the series with a full crowd in the stadium.
"This week has been a tough one for everyone involved, and none more than our passionate netball fans who had been set to cheer on the teams in capacity number at all four games," she said.
"While the first three have been closed to the general public to meet all health and safety protocols, to be able to pack out the final match will give a real lift to the players and event as a whole."
