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Mayor salutes Rally of Whangarei as fantastic event

Whangarei Mayor Stan Semenoff has heaped praise on the NAC Insurance International Rally of Whangarei as a fantastic family event.

Mr Semenoff said he was proud that Whangarei District had been able to join the rest of the world in enjoying the spectacular sport of rallying, and that locals took the opportunity in large numbers to be part of the excitement.

“I heard some marvellous stories about family involvement, including the farmer sitting on the roof of his runabout on top of a hill with a five-year-old wrapped in a blanket watching the event.

“I also heard from those enthusiastic volunteers from around the country who took part how grateful they were for the hospitality Whangarei people extended them.

“One team had nine youngsters involved, so it is a sport like soccer, rugby, gymnastics and hockey which keeps young people involved in healthy activities and reminds us once again that a kid in sport is one less in court,” Mr Semenoff said.

He also expressed his gratitude to those people living along the roads the rally used who had to put up with some inconvenience over the weekend. He said their contribution was a significant one, and was widely appreciated.

Mr Semenoff acknowledged the work Whangarei District Council chief operating officer Jude Thompson had done over the years in helping the rally grow, and said Council economic development officer Melissa Dow had done an excellent job in stepping into the role of working with rally organisers to ensure a top notch event.

“We’ve got a real team effort going into the rally, and I’m proud that as a District we have stepped up, turned out and turned on our hospitality to help make this a world class motorsport event.

“Quite apart from its economic benefits, the rally has a feel-good, family atmosphere about it which shows off our District at its best,” Mr Semenoff said.