The BWF World Tour Super 300 New Zealand Open has been cancelled until 2026 ©Getty Images

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Super 300 New Zealand Open has been cancelled for the next four years.

The event has not been held since 2019, having been unable to take place in the last three years because of COVID-19 restrictions in New Zealand.

The country implemented some of the world's most stringent measures on international travel as a COVID-19 countermeasure, but its borders fully re-opened in July 2022.

No reason has been provided for the cancellation of the annual New Zealand Open through to 2026, but the BWF said Badminton New Zealand had "concluded it was no longer feasible for them to deliver the tournament".

This decision was taken following discussions between the BWF and Badminton New Zealand.

Badminton New Zealand said it had taken the "very difficult" decision "after careful consideration by the Board and valuable input from our member associations, as part of a strategic focus on strengthening the foundations of badminton in New Zealand".

It added that "Badminton New Zealand and its members agree that growing participation and building strong and resilient badminton organisations are more important priorities in the next few years".

South Korea's An Se-young triumphed in the women's singles the last time the New Zealand Open was held in 2019 ©Getty Images
South Korea's An Se-young triumphed in the women's singles the last time the New Zealand Open was held in 2019 ©Getty Images

Chief executive Stephen Nelson said: "While it is disappointing to be farewelling the New Zealand Open for the foreseeable future, Badminton New Zealand is excited to utilise this opportunity to reallocate its time and energy towards building the grassroots of our sport. 

"This will see us strengthening our foundations and those of our member associations.

"We wish to thank our many partners and incredible volunteers who have contributed to this iconic event over the years. 

"In particular, we acknowledge the substantial contributions of Peter Thompson and Julie Carrel, who have been absolutely integral to the event’s success."

Two-time Olympic men's singles champion Lin Dan of China is among the recent winners of the New Zealand Open, triumphing in the 2018 edition.

Indonesia's Jonatan Christie and South Korea's An Se-young were the most recent singles winners at the event in Auckland.

This year's tournament had been scheduled for August 8 to 13.

Super 300 events are the lowest-ranked of the six levels on the BWF World Tour.