Event dates (provisional): Documentation Friday 27 November 2026 · Rally days Saturday 28 November – Friday 4 December 2026. Start Rotorua · East Coast & Central North Island · Finish Rotorua.

These Terms & Conditions apply to all international competitors (drivers, co-drivers and entrants) in the 2026 NZ Silver Fern Rally and NZ Silver Frond Rally. By submitting an entry, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by these Terms & Conditions, together with the official Supplementary Regulations and AASA rules.

This page is a summary of key terms for international competitors. In the event of any inconsistency, the official Supplementary Regulations and AASA documentation prevail.

1. About These Terms

1.1 These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) set out the principal rights and obligations of international competitors in relation to:

• entry to, and participation in, the 2026 NZ Silver Fern Rally (7 days) and the 2026 NZ Silver Frond Rally (3 days);
• eligibility, licensing, vehicle and safety requirements;
• fees, payments, refunds and cancellation;
• shipping and temporary importation of vehicles to New Zealand; and
• liability, risk assumption and related legal matters.

1.2 These Terms operate alongside (and do not replace) the applicable Supplementary Regulations, the AASA National Competition Rules (NCR), the AASA Standing Regulations for Gravel Rallies and any bulletins issued by the organisers.

1.3 By lodging an entry form and paying any part of the Entry Fee, you are deemed to have read and accepted these Terms on behalf of yourself and any co-drivers, crew members and support personnel who accompany your entry.

Key 2026 event dates (provisional)

• 28 July 2026: Supplementary Regulations Part 1 released
• 6 November 2026 (09:00): Service Books, Stage Notes & drive-through videos available
• 6 November 2026 (17:00): Standard entries close
• 27 November 2026: Scrutineering & documentation — Rotorua
• 28 November 2026 (07:30): Rallies start — Rotorua
• 30 November 2026 (17:45): Silver Frond finish — Gisborne
• 4 December 2026 (17:30): Silver Fern finish — Rotorua

Timings, locations and formats may be updated. Any change will be communicated via official bulletins or updated Supplementary Regulations.

2. Definitions & Event Format

This section summarises how the events are structured and how key terms are used in these Terms.

2.1 “Event”

“Event” means, as applicable, the 2026 NZ Silver Fern Rally (7-day event) and/or the 2026 NZ Silver Frond Rally (3-day event), including all official stages, touring sections, documentation, scrutineering, ceremonial activities and Parc Fermé arrangements.

2.2 Divisions & classes

The Event may include, without limitation, Historic Competition, Challenge Trophy (Modern 2WD), Classic 4WD and Time-Trial divisions. Classes are defined in the Supplementary Regulations and the 2026 Technical Regulations (Schedule TR).

Allocation to a particular division and class is at the organisers’ sole discretion.

2.3 “Competitor”

“Competitor” means the person or entity that submits the entry and is responsible for the car and crew. References to “you” and “your” include the Competitor, driver, co-driver and any associated crew or support personnel.

2.4 “Organiser”

“Organiser” means the legal entity responsible for promoting and running the Event, together with its officers, employees, contractors, volunteers and authorised agents.

The Organiser may appoint officials (including the Clerk of the Course and Stewards) who have authority to issue directions, penalties and decisions under the applicable regulations.

3. Eligibility, Licensing & Documentation

3.1 The Event is a National Rally Event with foreign participation, permitted by AASA. All Competitors and crew must comply with:

• the current AASA National Competition Rules (NCR);
• the AASA Standing Regulations for Gravel Rallies;
• the Event Supplementary Regulations (Part 1, Part 2 and any bulletins); and
• any instructions issued by officials during the Event.

3.2 You must present original licences, permits and identification at documentation and on request. Failure to produce adequate documentation may result in refusal of entry or exclusion without refund.

4. Vehicle & Safety Requirements

• 4.1 Competition vehicles must comply with the 2026 NZ Silver Fern Technical Regulations (Schedule TR) and AASA safety standards, including (where applicable) rollcages, harnesses, seats, fire systems and electrical cut-offs.
• 4.2 All Competition cars must hold an AASA Vehicle Passport or equivalent documentation accepted by AASA.
• 4.3 Time-Trial vehicles must be road-registered, hold a current warrant/certificate equivalent in their jurisdiction and be in a safe, roadworthy condition.
• 4.4 As a minimum, Time-Trial vehicles must carry: 1 kg dry-powder fire extinguisher, securely mounted; warning triangle, tow rope and an approved first-aid kit; and an operational RallySafe unit, installed as directed.
• 4.5 All crew must wear helmets on closed-road sections. Additional protective clothing, including flame-resistant apparel, may be required for certain vehicles as detailed in the regulations.
• 4.6 The Organiser reserves the right, at any time, to refuse or withdraw eligibility of any vehicle or crew if, in its opinion, safety standards are not met.

The final decision on car categorisation, safety compliance and eligibility rests with the Organiser and officials.

5. Entry Fees, Levies & Payment Terms (Excl. GST)

The following figures are indicative only. The official Price List and Supplementary Regulations will prevail if there is any inconsistency.

5.1 Fees, tax & payment

• 5.1.1 All figures are in New Zealand dollars (NZD) and are exclusive of GST (currently 15%), unless stated otherwise.
• 5.1.2 The Standard Entry Fee is payable in addition to the Medical Levy, Health & Safety Levy and RallySafe fee.
• 5.1.3 Upon acceptance of your entry, an invoice will be issued for a non-refundable deposit (typically NZ$1,000 + GST) and any staged payments as set out in the Supplementary Regulations.
• 5.1.4 Payment methods include: bank transfer (details provided on the invoice); credit card (Visa/Mastercard), subject to merchant fees (indicatively 3% for NZ cards and 4% for international cards).
• 5.1.5 Monthly payment plans may be offered at the Organiser’s discretion. Approval of any payment plan does not limit the Organiser’s right to demand full payment if instalments are missed.

The Organiser reserves the right to amend fees or impose surcharges to reflect changes in regulatory costs, insurance, RallySafe charges, or other material expenses.

5.2 Accommodation packages

• 5.2.1 The Organiser may offer an optional accommodation package at nominated official hotels.
• 5.2.2 Packages are generally based on two twin-share rooms per night (four persons) for the duration of the Event overnights.
• 5.2.3 Indicative package price: NZ$7,200 (excl. GST). Final pricing, nights and hotel allocations are confirmed in your booking.
• 5.2.4 Accommodation bookings are separate from Event Entry Fees and may be subject to additional terms, including cancellation fees imposed by hotels.

Where accommodation is arranged by the Organiser, the Organiser acts as an intermediary only and is not responsible for hotel service delivery.

6. Cancellations, Withdrawals & Refunds

6.1 Any request by a Competitor to withdraw from the Event or to cancel their entry must be made in writing to the Organiser.

• 6.2 The entry deposit (for example NZ$1,000 + GST) is generally non-refundable, except where required by law or where the Organiser cancels the Event before commencement.
• 6.3 Additional refunds (if any) will be made in accordance with the refund scale and deadlines stated in the Supplementary Regulations or official bulletins.
• 6.4 No refund will normally be made where a Competitor is excluded for reasons of: non-compliance with technical or safety regulations; disciplinary action or breach of these Terms; or failure to attend scrutineering, documentation or the start.

6.5 If the Event is cancelled, postponed or materially altered for reasons beyond the Organiser’s reasonable control (including but not limited to natural disaster, pandemic, governmental restriction, security concerns or force majeure), the Organiser may limit refunds to such amounts as it is reasonably able to recover or afford, having regard to unrecoverable costs already incurred.

7. Conduct, Compliance & Penalties

• 7.1 You must at all times obey the instructions of Event officials, law enforcement and road authorities, and comply with all applicable traffic laws on open/public roads.
• 7.2 Dangerous, unsporting or anti-social behaviour (including inappropriate conduct towards officials, other Competitors or the public) may result in penalties, exclusion or refusal of future entries.
• 7.3 The Organiser may impose time penalties, fines, relegation or exclusion in accordance with the AASA NCRs and the Supplementary Regulations.
• 7.4 The Competitor is responsible for the actions of all persons connected with their entry, including service crew and supporters.

Decisions of the Stewards or other competent officials are final, subject to any rights of protest or appeal explicitly provided under the regulations.

8. Shipping, Customs & Temporary Importation

International Competitors are responsible for arranging shipping and customs clearance. The Organiser does not act as customs broker and cannot guarantee import approvals.

8.1 Preferred logistics partner

G-Force Logistics

The Organiser may recommend motorsport shipping specialists (such as G-Force Logistics) to assist Competitors with door-to-door transport, customs and paperwork.

• Contact: Phil Gibbs
• Mobile: +64 21 366 638
• Email: [email protected]

Any contract for freight, insurance, customs brokerage or related services is strictly between you and the logistics provider. The Organiser is not a party to, and is not liable for, any such arrangements.

8.2 Indicative container pricing

Indicative return pricing per car, based on shared 40 ft containers:

These prices are indicative only, exclude GST and may change due to fuel surcharges, exchange rates and port conditions. Competitors must obtain a current quotation and confirm inclusions directly with the shipper.

8.3 Carnet vs T.I.E. & GST

There are two common pathways for temporarily importing a rally car into New Zealand:

• Consumables (oils, cleaners, fluids, etc.) are generally not Carnet-listed and may attract non-refundable GST/duty.
• Tyres on rims may be Carnet-listed but must normally be re-exported with the car.
• Competitors should allow at least 12+ weeks prior to the Event to arrange shipping, insurance and paperwork.

The Organiser gives no guarantee that any particular customs or immigration outcome will be achieved, and accepts no responsibility for delays, refusal of entry, quarantine holds or additional charges incurred by Competitors.

9. Event Operations & Daily Procedures

9.1 The Event involves early starts, long touring distances and multiple gravel stages per day. Competitors must manage fatigue, mechanical preparation and logistics in a safe and responsible manner.

• 9.2 Daily schedules, service-in and service-out times, and Parc Fermé requirements are specified in the Road Book and official schedules.
• 9.3 It is the Competitor’s responsibility to ensure timely attendance at controls, stages and regroup points.
• 9.4 Any meals indicated as included (for example, lunches for driver and co-driver) are provided as a convenience and are not guaranteed to meet specific dietary or medical requirements.

9.5 The Organiser may alter stage order, distances, regroup locations or other operational aspects at short notice to address safety, weather, road conditions or regulatory directions. Read the full event FAQ

Information only: Any promotional media or highlight videos are illustrative only and do not vary or override these Terms or the official regulations.

10. Risk, Liability & Indemnity

10.1 Motorsport is inherently dangerous. By entering the Event, you acknowledge that:

• serious injury or death may result from participation;
• vehicles and property may be damaged, lost or destroyed; and
• conditions may be unpredictable, including road surfaces, weather and the actions of other road users.

10.2 To the maximum extent permitted by law, the Organiser, AASA, officials, sponsors, contractors, landowners and their respective officers, employees and agents (together, the “Released Parties”) are not liable for any loss, damage, cost or expense suffered by you in connection with the Event, except to the extent directly caused by their gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

10.3 You agree to indemnify and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any claims, liabilities, damages and costs (including legal costs on a solicitor–client basis) arising out of:

• your participation in the Event;
• the actions or omissions of your drivers, co-drivers, crew or support personnel; and
• any breach of these Terms or of the applicable regulations.

10.4 Nothing in these Terms is intended to exclude or limit any rights you may have under New Zealand law that cannot lawfully be excluded.

11. Insurance & Responsibility

• 11.1 You are responsible for arranging adequate insurance cover, including (where applicable) transit insurance, motorsport vehicle insurance, public liability cover and travel/medical insurance for crew and supporters.
• 11.2 The Organiser does not provide comprehensive vehicle or personal accident insurance for Competitors.
• 11.3 It is your responsibility to ensure that any insurance policies extend to participation in the Event and the jurisdictions involved.

You should discuss the specific risks of long-distance gravel rallying with your insurer and obtain written confirmation of cover.

12. Media, Data & Privacy

12.1 By entering the Event, you grant the Organiser a royalty-free, worldwide licence to use your name, likeness, car livery and performance data in any media (including television, online, print and social media) for the purposes of promoting the Event and future events.

12.2 The Organiser may collect, store and process personal information about you and your crew for:

• administration of entries and results;
• compliance with regulatory and safety requirements; and
• Event-related communications and marketing (subject to any unsubscribe/opt-out rights).

12.3 The Organiser will handle personal information in accordance with applicable New Zealand privacy laws and its published privacy policy.

13. Changes, Notices & Governing Law

• 13.1 The Organiser may amend these Terms at any time prior to the Event. Material changes will normally be notified via the Event website or by direct communication to Competitors.
• 13.2 Notices will be deemed given when posted on the official Event website, issued as an official bulletin, or sent to the email address nominated on your entry form.
• 13.3 These Terms are governed by the laws of New Zealand. You submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts in relation to any dispute arising out of or in connection with the Event.

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue in full force and effect.

14. Summary Information (Non-binding FAQ)

The following questions summarise some key points for overseas competitors. If there is any conflict between this FAQ and the official regulations or these Terms, the latter will prevail.

What licence do I need? For the Competition divisions (Historic, Challenge Trophy, Classic 4WD), an AASA National Rally Licence or equivalent national rally licence recognised by AASA is required. For the Time-Trial division, a full civil driving licence (or recognised overseas equivalent) is sufficient, subject to the regulations.

What does shipping cost? Costs vary by origin and container loading. As a guide only, a shared 40 ft container:

• From East Coast Australia to Auckland and back may be around NZ$6,000 per car with 3 cars (or NZ$9,000 with 2 cars).
• From UK/Rotterdam to Auckland and back may be around NZ$14,000 per car with 3 cars (or NZ$19,000 with 2 cars).

All figures are per car, return and excl. GST and subject to change. You must obtain current quotations from a logistics provider.

How do the Silver Fern and Silver Frond differ? The Silver Fern Rally is a seven-day event, starting and finishing in Rotorua. The Silver Frond Rally consists of the opening three days of the route, starting in Rotorua and finishing in Gisborne, and is open to eligible 2WD cars in Competition and Time-Trial formats.

Is accommodation or service support available? Yes, optional accommodation packages may be offered at official hotels, and service books and service-park information are released in advance. However, availability is not guaranteed and separate terms and cancellation policies may apply to accommodation bookings.

15. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting an Expression of Interest, entry form or payment of any part of the Entry Fee, you confirm that you:

• have read and understood these Terms & Conditions;
• agree to be bound by these Terms, the Supplementary Regulations and the applicable AASA rules; and
• have authority to make this agreement on behalf of your co-drivers, crew and any associated personnel.

Enter 2026 · Contact the Silver Fern team · Ask a question