Community club sports have essentially been given the green light to return to action, with the Government's announcement that the mass gathering limit will be extended to 100 people.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has confirmed that the initial 10-person limit will increase from noon, Friday, May 29, which should allow the likes of rugby, netball and football to return to full training and matches.
"The shift to a 100-person maximum means many more gatherings will be able to occur from now on," Ardern says.
"These changes are good news for business and those looking to plan larger gatherings.
"The move to 100 allows community sport to operate more easily and I understand sporting codes have been working on operational guidance with Sport New Zealand."
After hearing the news, clubs have sprung into action and preparations are well underway for a return to the field.
Western Springs Association Football Club manager Paul Rutland tells Newshub that a handful of senior teams have already booked the fields and organised pre-season, intra-club games for Saturday.
The junior grades - which are strictly intra-club - will be subject to demand, taking into account the Queen's birthday public holiday this weekend.
NZ Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell says it welcomed Monday's announcement and urged players to get the ball rolling.
"We know players, coaches, referees and fans have been patiently waiting for football to return and, because of the hard work of the country, that will soon be the case," Pragnell says.
"Community football has obviously been impacted during this period so we encourage people to get out there to join and support their local clubs."
