Supercars book April dates for Taupō leg
Event formally welcomed with pō whiri at Taupō International Motorsport Park
Taupō’s round of the Repco Supercars Championship will take place from April 19-21, organisers have announced. The amount of central and local government spending required to secure the event has also been revealed, with the Major Events Fund putting in $5 million over the next three years and the Taupō District Council contributing $900,000 for the same period.
The event would be staged in Taupō until at least 2026, with a review after that.
The Repco Supercars Championship was formally welcomed to Taupō with a ceremony at the Taupō International Motorsport Park on September 21.
MBIE’s Major Events Fund manager Kylie Hawker-Green announced the dates and the funding, saying the event would result in 9000 overseas visitors and 22,000 bed nights for Taupō and surrounding areas.
She said it would result in an estimated $6m in economic benefit to the Taupō district, per event.
Supercars CEO Shane Howard said they “could not be more excited to be racing here in 200 days in Taupō ”.
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas said Taupō was the events capital of New Zealand and attracting a premium event like Supercars to Taupō cemented that reputation.
“All I can say is go the Supercars.” He said the event would support neighbouring areas of Waikato, Ruapehu, Hawke’s Bay and Rotorua.
In addition to the council’s cash contribution, it would provide in-kind support in the form of council venues and even activations.
About 100,000 people were expected to attend during the three days.
Supercars announced last month that Taupō would hold a round each year from 2024 until at least 2026.
Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds said since the first ever international championship round for Supercars was held in 2001, the event had grown to become one
The Supercars Championship is expected to attract over 100,000 attendees to Taupō each year, including almost 9500 international visitors and 1500 personnel. Economic Development Minister Barbara Edmonds
of the largest sporting events in our country.
“After a one-year hiatus, we’re helping the high-octane event return to our shores. The Government will contribute $5 million to support the Taupō International Motorsport Park round between 2024 and 2026, providing long-term confidence to organisers and commercial partners.
“This investment will open a new chapter for racing in New Zealand. It will support local economies by generating cultural and economic opportunities, as well as supporting the region’s post-Covid recovery.
“We know this will be a huge boost to the region. The Supercars Championship is expected to attract over 100,000 attendees to Taupō each year, including almost 9500 international visitors and 1500 personnel.
“With the event broadcast into more than 95 countries and over 300 million homes, Taupō and surrounding areas will have plenty of opportunities to highlight all the region has to offer. We look forward to supporting the organisers to kick these events into gear and maximise the benefits for Kiwis.”