Queens Wharf welcomes Rally New Zealand

Queens Wharf welcomes Rally New Zealand

Queens Wharf – the people’s wharf – is hosting Rally New Zealand over the next few weeks.

“We’re excited to be hosting the wharf’s first major event since the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) and Government took ownership and opened the gates to the public on Anzac Day,” said ARC Chairman Mike Lee.

“The New Zealand leg of the FIA World Rally Championship will be followed by a TV audience of more than 50 million worldwide. The event is estimated to be worth $15 million to New Zealand.

“I can think of no better backdrop than Auckland’s iconic Waitemata Harbour for coverage of this closely followed event.

“Having the wharf in public ownership will enable Auckland to host many other international events like the rally as well as Rugby World Cup celebrations next year.

“At the same time, the public will get to enjoy a great place – the people’s wharf – to come and wander, and take in the beauty of the harbour and city.

“The opening festival on Anzac Day was a great success. It showed how enthusiastic Aucklanders are to make use of this superb asset.”

Queens Wharf will be the base and main service area for all rally teams during the event.

The public will be able to see the service crews in action, meet the drivers during autograph signing sessions, and watch the rally’s stages on a big screen on the wharf.

Confirmed rally event times are:

• Tuesday 4 May, 10am to 5pm

• Wednesday 5 May, 9am to 10pm

• Thursday 6 May, 8am to 3pm**

• Friday 7 May, 7am to 10pm

• Saturday 8 May, 6am to 10pm

• Sunday 9 May, 6am to 3pm**

** The opening and closing ceremonies will be held at the Viaduct Harbour from 3pm onwards.

To ensure public safety while the rally is being packed in and out, access to some parts of Queens Wharf will be limited between 28 April and 3 May, and again between 10 May and 14 May.

Queens Wharf covers an area of almost 3ha and 1.5km of linear waterfront public open space – next to Auckland’s CBD and the Britomart Transport Centre.

ENDS

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