Mighty River Domain site manager Liz Stolwyk with her sons Nathan and Curtis at this week’s Waka Ama Sprint Nationals. Photo: Jeremy Smith.
Accommodation providers district wide are reported to be “packed” as a consequence of Waipā hosting the national Waka Ama Sprint Nationals at Karāpiro.
The event, which started on Sunday, has attracted almost 3300 competitors – aged five to 83 from more than 70 clubs.
About 12,000 spectators will be at Karāpiro watching.
Mighty River Domain site manager Liz Stolwyk said eftpos transaction data from Waipā in previous years showed the event contributes at least $6 million to the region’s economy.
She expects that figure to be higher this year.
A team of 12 is working across 16-hour days this week at the domain – and the event has almost 200volunteers.
“This week, halls, marae, sports clubs and a wide range of accommodation providers are all fully booked – it’s fantastic opportunity for our district to be showcased and I hope we roll out the red carpet for the many thousands of visitors expected,” Stolwyk said.
Waka Ama New Zealand CEO Lara Collins told The News waka ama is the fastest growing water
sport in New Zealand and organisers love returning to Lake Karāpiro each year.
