Tauranga's annual Jazz Festival will not be held in April due to current Covid-19 restrictions.

In a statement released today, organisers say they made the decision to postpone the 2022 Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival and National Jazz Youth Competition due to the Covid-19 situation in New Zealand and specifically the Omicron outbreak.

"As well as creating festival complications at the red-light level leading up to, and at festival time, the decision to postpone has been based on the health and safety of our audience, artists, staff, volunteers, sponsors, and community."

The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival including the National Youth Jazz Competition will now be held over the week leading up to, and the long weekend of Matariki from June 20 - 26, 2022.

"This is of course provided we are at least back to the orange light level in the current pandemic system.

"The festival will still be an exciting opportunity for thousands of people to enjoy wonderful live music and spectacular jazz performances in Tauranga.

"While postponing is disappointing, the 2022 Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival is still very much alive and kicking and fingers crossed we see you all in Tauranga from June 20 - 26, 2022."

For programme information please go to www.jazz.org.nz where updates will be displayed.

"The Tauranga Jazz Society Committee and the Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival team wish you all the best and thank you for your continued support."