Time is running out for more than 300 yachts in the South Pacific who have been refused entry to New Zealand to seek refuge from the cyclone season. The Ocean Cruising Club has been lobbying the Government since April, but under Covid-19 restrictions, cyclone refuge is not considered a reason for border exemption. Guy Chester, a Roving Rear Commodore with the club, has been fighting to get the hundreds of people a safe place to spend the season. But last week they discovered cyclone refuge was not included. "We've now got the situation where we have just been told that cyclone refuge is not a compelling reason and exemptions will not be granted, in which case, it's now vital."

Source: Stuff September 06, 2020 03:45 UTC