🌧️ Weekend Hockey Update – Cyclone Vaianu Disruptions 🌪️

🌧️ Competition Update – Weather Impacts 🌪️

Following the earlier postponement of games due to the recent storm, the round that was rescheduled for this Sunday will once again be postponed due to the forecast impact of Cyclone Vaianu.

⚠️ Official  Met Service Weather Warnings (Northland) Issued: 9:51am Fri 10 Apr

Heavy Rain Warning – Orange Period: 12hrs from 9:00pm Sat 11 Apr – 9:00am Sun 12 Apr Area: Northland, about and south of Bay of Islands to Hokianga Harbour Forecast: 50–80mm of rain expected, with peak rates of 10–20mm/h Sunday morning. Minimal chance of upgrading to Red Warning.

Strong Wind Warning – Orange Period: 15hrs from 11:00pm Sat 11 Apr – 2:00pm Sun 12 Apr Area: Northland Forecast: Severe gale southeasterlies turning southwesterly Sunday afternoon, with gusts up to 130km/h in exposed areas. Moderate chance of upgrade to Red Warning.

Sunday Decision

While the system is expected to move quickly down the country during Sunday, the decision not to play has also taken into account lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle.

Residual impacts such as damaged roads, fallen trees, slips, and possible power outages may affect safe travel to and from the turfs. There is also likely to be debris-related clean-up required on the turfs and surrounding facilities before play can safely resume.

Saturday Games

Saturday games will proceed on a game-by-game basis, as the warnings do not take effect until later in the evening. 

This may be subject to change so please keep up to date with the Hockey Northland Facebook page. 

If play is about to start or has already started:

• A decision to postpone can be made by agreement between both team captains and both umpires

• If there is disagreement, umpires will make the final decision

• If umpires cannot agree, play will continue

Important

Weather conditions can change quickly. If a postponement has not been communicated by the time you or your child needs to leave, please make the best decision based on your own circumstances and safety.

Early Heads Up

• Any games not played on Saturday 11th April, along with the already postponed games from Sunday 12th April, will be rescheduled to late May or June

• We are unable to confirm exact dates yet, as this depends on how many games are impacted

• Monday games are expected to proceed as scheduled, any changes to Monday's games will be communicated as early as possible on Monday

We appreciate your understanding as we prioritise player safety and fair competition.

👉 Please keep an eye out for further updates tomorrow.