Sport New Zealand has warned the Government that the managed isolation and quarantine system will have a lasting negative impact on some sports and athletes.

In a briefing submitted in August to the Sport and Recreation Minister, Grant Robertson, the organisation said mid-size sports like badminton and triathlon are feeling a particular adverse impact compared with larger sports, like rugby or netball.

“[Mid-size sports] do not meet the thresholds for MIQ support for major events that would enable teams to compete internationally,” the briefing reads.

It also said individual athletes who are unable to travel will likely drop off the radar in their sports.

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“These people are likely to be unable to return to that elite level of competition, negatively impacting the performance of sport in NZ for years to come.

“Overall, the ongoing inability for our athletes and teams to compete in the international arena is impacting financially and reputationally on sports across the board, with this impact cumulatively growing year-on-year.”

One of those athletes at risk of losing ground on the rest of the world is surfer Paige Hareb.

She has tried to secure MIQ places through the lobby system, but had no luck.

“It was pretty frustrating when I was thinking about going a couple of months ago,” Hareb said.

“I signed up to the whole MIQ process and kept checking, and I was even trying dates that I knew weren’t going to be possible for me. I just wanted to see if I could be quick enough, but I was too slow on those dates as well.

“I felt like I had no chance at all. I had to give up, pretty much.”

Hareb has barely been able to dip her toe into international waters in almost two years.

Regardless of the MIQ situation in New Zealand, she will head overseas next year and get back on the world tour.

She admitted it may take some time to get back up to speed.

“I think I was born competitive, so I don’t think you ever lose that. But yeah, I guess a little bit [worried].

“It might take a little bit to get into competition, but I have still been competing in my local Boardriders event here in Taranaki to keep my hand in it.”

Sport NZ proposed a couple of solutions to the MIQ problem.

They asked the government to reconsider earlier calls for a stand-alone, bespoke MIQ for sport, “particularly as consideration has been given to onsite MIQ for Recognised Seasonal Employer workers”.

“This could be smaller sports facility rather than large scale hotel as was previously canvassed on November 20, 2020.”

It suggested the facility could be restricted to returning athletes who were fully vaccinated, had a secured charter flight back, and had provided evidence of a need to travel for a registered sporting event.

It also said the facility could be funded by Sport NZ, with a cost share arrangement with relevant sporting codes.

However, Sport NZ chief executive, Raelene Castle told Stuff a dedicated sporting MIQ might no longer be needed.

“The situation is changing all the time. Shorter MIQ stays and plans to reconnect New Zealanders with the world suggest a dedicated sports MIQ may no longer be needed.”

Sport NZ also suggested it could be allocated and manage 20 to 35 places per month as part of an allocation in MIQ.

It said athletes would still be advised, based on government advice, not to travel if possible.

But it would prioritise places based on commitments from national sporting bodies, and athletes would have their place secured only seven days prior to the MIQ start date.

“Sport NZ acknowledges that demand for MIQ is unsustainable, and the Government must manage this demand to ensure the best use of places while upholding the rights of New Zealanders to enter the country,” it said in the briefing.

“However, Sport NZ is required to advocate on behalf of sports and highlight the impact MIQ constraints are having on the sector.”

Castle said the request for dedicated sporting spots hadn’t been successful.

The briefing also detailed issues with holding events in New Zealand, such as Sail GP, and the impact MIQ has had on the Warriors rugby league team – which has 90 people stuck in Australia – and the Wellington Phoenix and New Zealand Breakers having to set up base in Australia for their 2022 seasons.

“Across the sector, there is clear and increasing unrest at ongoing constraints.

“It is expected that the longer the situation continues and worsens, the more vocal the sector will become, including both publicly and in requests and complaints to you.”

Athletes like Paige Hareb are now hoping MIQ changes signalled by the government will allow greater freedom of movement.

Hareb said in an ideal world, she’ll be able to return to New Zealand after competing next year and skip MIQ for a stay in home isolation.