World Outrigger Canoe Champs Headed for Lake Karapiro

New Zealand's premier rowing venue, Lake Karapiro has been chosen to host the World Outrigger Canoe Championships in the summer of 2006 despite concerted competition from other venues. Hamilton City Council and Waipa District Council, supported by local Iwi representatives presented their case for the internationally recognised venue to the New Zealand Waka Ama Council in Auckland recently.

The event, which will host around 8,000 people for twelve days in the summer of 2006, is a coup for the region with significant economic benefits expected to flow on to both Cambridge and Te Awamutu. As a lead up to the world championships Lake Karapiro will also host the New Zealand Outrigger Canoe Sprint Championships in the summer of 2004 and 2005, and will provide organisers with an opportunity to test facilities for the world championships.

Lake Karapiro's established infrastructure was seen as a major advantage over other location options being considered and while additional improvements to the site are expected before 2006, Lake Karapiro remains one of the country's premier aquatic sports centres.

Outrigger canoe racing has ballooned in recent years and now attracts media attention from around the world. Waipa District Council Mayor Alan Livingston and Hamilton City Council Mayor David Braithwaite said organisers are expecting extensive media coverage and hosting the world event is a unique opportunity to highlight the Waikato.

"We have a great opportunity to showcase our attractions to the visiting paddlers. Some will be coming from the US, Tahiti and other Pacific rim countries. They'll be looking for off-water activities and the Waikato has plenty to offer. Toursim Waikato will provide an on-site Information Centre and staff from Hamilton City and Waipa District will be supporting the event organisers with guidance in event planning, sponsorship, marketing and public relations. Many teams will be staying locally and the economic benefits will be accrued across the region. Without giving to much away, the planned opening ceremony will be world class in keeping with the status of the event, and the Waikato will put on a world class welcome"

The New Zealand Sprint Championships are scheduled for Lake Karapiro January 12 -17 2004.