Badminton New Zealand has today announced it has cancelled the Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Badminton Open, scheduled for 22-27 November, 2022 at Eventfinda Stadium in Auckland. This decision is a result of ongoing Covid complexities which continue to impact the viability of the event for both players and fans.
While the decision to cancel the Open will be disappointing for the badminton community, Badminton New Zealand are buoyed by the recent announcement that the New Zealand Open has been confirmed within the HSBC BWF World Tour from 2023-26. Badminton New Zealand CEO Stephen Nelson is excited by the long-term commitment from Badminton World Federation to continue their support for the New Zealand Open.
“The Barfoot & Thompson New Zealand Open is an important event for badminton within New Zealand and we’re incredibly excited to bring this outstanding event back for our fans in 2023.”
Badminton New Zealand are working closely with Badminton World Federation as they finalise the 2023 calendar and look forward to shortly announcing the dates for the 2023 event.
Due to the cancellation of the Open, Badminton Manawatū are also announcing the cancellation of the Manawatū International that was due to follow the World Tour 300 Event. Manawatū International Event Director James Veitch was disappointed to lose the International in 2022.
"An international badminton tournament in the Manawatū had the entire region excited, and Badminton Manawatū are deeply disappointed to announce its cancellation. We are already working with Badminton Oceania and Badminton New Zealand to explore options for hosting this tournament in 2023, so watch this space over the coming months."
In the meantime, Badminton New Zealand encourages the entire community to support the North Harbour International, which marks the return of international badminton to our shores in October.