There's a longer discussion on this in terms of combined conversation on 140.6 and 70.3 WC delays in the 'CEO announcement' thead.
https://forum.slowtwitch.com/.../?page=unread#unread But observations / comments on above...
1) Not a cat in hells chance of borders being open by November. Refer to Our Lady of the Almighty Sincere Grin's statement. They are starting to plan for a border with Aus and the Pacific Islands (covid free) in the next 2 months. So that's starting July.
2) accommodation. Silver Fern wouldn't be my place of choice, but in NZ terms you kinda get used to that style of offering.
3) I know some people that live in Kinloch. They normally don't bother with the Air BnB as it's more hassle than it's worth, even for Ironman week. Then they got offered $4k for the week of 70.3WC and had already booked their trip to the Cook Islands... I also know of hotels in Rotorua (45min drive away) being full. Accommodation had gone mental for this, so it's a huge shame for the economy.
4) And this unfortunately is why shifting to a new date in Feb is a dubious proposition. Very close to Ironman in march, so to close the town for 2 weekends in a few weeks may test the patience of some locals not in the hospitality business. Also for the volunteers. And Taupo has a pretty packed programme of events most weekends. Be if Jazz, art, running, cycling, swimming, etc etc etc. It's kinda like a giant conference hotel. Tuesday everyone checks out then Wednesday a complete new strand of delegate arrives and takes over the town.
5) The game changer for this is if by October there is a 99.9% reliable test to allow screening pre boarding, on entry and proves someone isn't able to spread.