The Board has met to discuss the COVID-19 Protection Framework within the traffic light system that has been introduced by government to take effect on Friday, 3 December.
Our priority is to provide a safe and healthy environment for our staff as well as our members, their families and guests. As a consequence, the Board has decided to introduce the “no jab no play/enter” policy for the Club which will mean any members or visitors that wish to play golf or visit the Club will be required to be vaccinated.
The decision has not been taken lightly. We have taken into account that there maybe a number of members who for a range of reasons have decided not to be vaccinated, and while we would encourage every member to get vaccinated, we accept that it is a decision for each person to make.
Vaccinations are part of a wide range of public health actions that we are all taking to help reduce the risk of spread and illness from COVID-19 along with masks, physical distancing, handwashing and scanning. Evidence shows that vaccination is a vital and safe measure for significantly reducing infection and transmission.
Members and public wishing to play golf will need to provide their Vaccination Pass. This can be recorded in Dotgolf when they first register to play, which will negate the need to show their pass each time they play golf. Access to the golf course will transfer to the Clubhouse, but members or public who wish to access just the clubhouse and facilities, will need to provide their Vaccination Pass to the Café & Bar staff.
Members who choose not to comply with the “no jab no play/enter” policy will become in effect non-playing members for the period they are unable to access the club’s facilities. At the point circumstances change, they will be welcomed back and once again able to enjoy the full range of benefits of membership.
Many of our government laws and regulations are designed to create safety for our community as a whole and to protect the vulnerable in society. For this reason, we would ask our members to respect the decision the Board has made to safeguard the health and safety of our staff, our members, their families and guests and to allow the club to operate as normally as possible.
We ask members to respect the staff and not debate the Board decision with them. A “be kind” policy should operate for all. Members are welcome to communicate directly with the Board through the Club email.
Safe golfing…
Heather Verry
Chair
Waikanae Golf Club Board