Despite New Zealand leading the way in both containing and eliminating the spread of the Coronavirus it has been confirmed that the decision has been made not to go ahead with the National Championships due to be held in Christchurch in July.

Restriction

It follows a conference call meeting of the National Management Committee, which noted that despite the success of the nationwide 'Level 4 ' lockdown it was likely that there would still be a significant period of restriction to follow — including the contest weekend.

In his latest newsletter address, John Sullivan, President of the Brass Band Association of New Zealand stated that the decision, following extensive communication with bands, was "not lightly made".

With the exception of two World Wars, it is only the second time in the event's history since 1890 that it has had to be cancelled — the last in 1931 due to an earthquake that occurred in Napier.

Christchurch will now host the event in 2021, followed by Wellington and Dunedin.

With the exception of two World Wars, it is only the second time in the event's history since 1890 that it has had to be cancelled — the last in 1931 due to an earthquake that occurred in Napier4BR

Thanks

John Sullivan thanked the Christchurch Contest Committee for the "tremendous amount of work done in preparation for the contest"and that the organisation will now look forward to working with them to make the 2021 contest "a real success".

He also expressed his thoughts that the increasing use of technology through social media may well see it having a more permanent place in the contesting environment.