30/09/2021
This just isnt true. Our athletes as well as numerous other sports men and women were not eligible for the same dispensations granted to other teams. We were advised we did not meet the teams eligibility criteria in terms of size nor did we meet financial eligibility criteria regarding bringing income into New Zealand. We fervently challenge both those positions.
Not only are CKB athletes representatives of a national team who wear the silver fern with pride, we are also a business, which provides jobs, supports numerous families and generates significant economic benefit to the country. Whether this be two huge stadium shows or providing some of the highest per capita viewership of UFC events in the world, or through event and hospitality venues, gyms and lounges across New Zealand being filled with people watching one of the countries most rapidly growing sports.
Equally importantly, there are numerous other businesses and professional athletes who are also suffering similarly - in many cases not just stranded overseas but on the verge of financial ruin.
Yes we are being outspoken and using our platform to bring attention to the inequity in the current MIQ system and its failure, to proactively develop sensible solutions, provided they don’t endanger public health. Our aim is to reduce the burden on a far larger group than just ourselves.
Not to speak out and question a system, which is clearly failing many people, is to resign ourselves to a mutual suffering collective which labels anyone who speaks out as not being part of the team of 5 million. We think this would be folly.
05/10/2020
05/10/2020
05/10/2020
04/10/2020
04/10/2020
04/10/2020