Lake Karapiro to host world rowing champs

by Mary Anne Gill, Waikato Times on 9 Jun 2006 Waikato has won the right to host the world rowing championships on Lake Karapiro in 2010.


And while the champagne corks were popping today, rowing and council officials say the hard work starts tomorrow to get the facilities ready in time.

The Council of the International Rowing Federation (Fisa) announced its decision today and said the fairness of the Karapiro course was a vital element in New Zealand's selection.

It was that comment which apparently upset Netherlands rowing officials, the unsuccessful bidders, who ruined what was to be a giant party in New Zealand today by leaking the news on its website late yesterday.

Rowing New Zealand chief executive Craig Ross told the Waikato Times the event was expected to inject more than $105 million into the economy, and rowing 'groupies' from around the world would travel to Cambridge in mid-September 2010 to see a wonderful spectacle.

Ross was told of the Fisa decision last week but had to keep it a secret. He told rowers, including world champions Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell, on Tuesday this week.

Hamilton will be the official host city. Mayor Michael Redman said there was now an opportunity to ensure the city capitalised on having overseas visitors and a huge international television audience.

Waipa mayor Alan Livingston was buzzing and described the decision as a big highlight of his five-year mayoralty.

Ross said the timetable now included appointing an organising committee of about 12 people.

'We'll be looking for roll-your-sleeves up type of people.'

Regular meetings would be held with Waipa staff to plan upgrades and set budgets at Karapiro Domain. The council has a $5 million Lake Karapiro Management Plan already in place which was likely to prevent any resource consent problems.

Then a further $8 million needed to be raised, said Ross.

'We can deliver the world champs without new amenities but ideally we'd like to have them.'

Hundreds of rowers from an estimated 50 countries and more than 7000 visitors would be expected.

The Government committed $75,000 towards the development of the bid and another $2 million towards ensuring its success. Waipa pledged $300,000 to pay for grandstands, in addition to the $5 million budgeted at the domain. Hamilton also pledged $300,000 in return for being host city and having the delegates' dinner.

On Lake Karapiro today, the Evers-Swindell twins were thrilled at the announcement.

Caroline said there were no guarantees they would still be rowing in four years, but if they were, and they were enjoying it, they'd be there.

'It's the biggest thing for rowing – for past rowers and for present rowers. It's just so big,' she said.

Prime Minister Helen Clark said the 7000 visitors were a third of the number that came for the Lions' tour but all of them would be in the Waikato. Huge international media coverage would pay big dividends for the region.

Source: www.stuff.co.nz