Travel News

Rally to Rev up Auckland

Auckland has won the rights to host next years Rally New Zealand, the local round of the FIA World Rally Championship, as well as two subsequent events.

This much-loved motorsport event draws a huge following from drivers and their teams, spectators, and the international media.
 
The shift to Auckland will mean larger numbers of rally fans will be able to enjoy a three-day celebration of motorsport when the event comes to the city from 6 to 9 May 2010.
 
Mayor of Auckland city, Hon. John Banks is thrilled to have secured another major event for Auckland.
 
“Rally New Zealand clearly sees the benefits of holding this event in Auckland, and we can see the fantastic benefits this event will bring to the city.
 
“Not only will it provide an economic boost, it will also increase the profile of Auckland through the associated broadcast opportunities.
 
"I have no doubt many Aucklanders will want to get up close to the excitement,” says Mr Banks.
 
The event is expected to attract extensive worldwide television coverage, with an estimated audience of over 50 million in 186 countries – and inject $12.7m into the Auckland economy.
 
The service park component of the event will have a special central city location – Queens Wharf – where a unique event hub will be created, giving the public an opportunity to experience all the action.
 
The service park will be held on the wharf during the window before construction starts and will allow the people to experience the wharf before it undergoes a transformation into a publicly accessible open space on the water’s edge.
 
It will also be a good opportunity for the council to do some operational testing around traffic and pedestrian flows in the area ahead of Rugby World Cup 2011 public celebrations on the wharf.
 
The event’s headquarters will also be based in the central city, with the rally route heading both north and south of Auckland.
 
Rally New Zealand chairman, Chris Carr, says the organisation is delighted to bring the rally back to Auckland.
 
“Rally New Zealand is one of the most popular rallies among the WRC drivers. With the event again based in our largest city, Auckland, with large pool of keen motorsport fans, we’re sure to see a vibrant, popular and successful event in 2010,” says Mr Carr.
 
Auckland City Council’s agreement with Rally New Zealand is supported by Tourism Auckland.
 
Tourism Auckland chief executive, Graeme Osborne, says he’s delighted Auckland will host this world-class event.
 
“The World Rally Championship puts Auckland in the international limelight once again, and will provide a boost in visitor numbers and spend for the region. I look forward to welcoming the international media, racing teams and their fans here next year,” says Mr Osborne.
 
Auckland has secured the hosting rights for the next three occurrences of the event.
 
At this point, with the way the World Rally calendar is scheduled, after 2010 the next New Zealand event will be in Auckland in 2012 – but Rally New Zealand is working hard to put the New Zealand event back on the world calendar on an annual basis.
 
Rally New Zealand, Auckland City Council and Tourism Auckland will now work towards delivering a memorable event for the drivers, officials, fans and spectators.
 

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