Christchurch to stage Supercars in three-year NZ double-header
Photo:
Photosport
New Zealand will stage two Supercar rounds for the next three years after Christchurch was confirmed as the first-ever South Island venue.
A revamped Ruapuna Raceway will host rounds of the Australasian touring car championship from 2026-28, along with Taupō, which has extended its deal for the same period.
It will be the first time New Zealand has staged two rounds in the same season, with Supercars chief executive Shane Howard hailing the work of numerous bodies to bring racing to the club-run Ruapuna venue, 15km west of Christchurch.
Race start with Broc Feeney & Jamie Whincup (Red Bull Ampol Triple 8 Camaro) leading the filed. 2023 Supercars Bathurst 1000.
Photo:
PHOTOSPORT
Howard said the government, Christchurch City Council's economic development agency and the Canterbury Car Club worked together to present a financially-sound vision.
"This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand," Howard said.
"Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time.
"Since Supercars' first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we're thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience.
"We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar."
Ruapuna Raceway will undergo a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters' lounge.
Ruapuna Raceway
Photo:
photosport
Canterbury Car Club has already raised nearly $1 million toward the first stage of development.
Club president, Lewis Low said he was proud the club had been added to the Supercars calendar.
"This is a dream come true for our club and for motorsport fans right across the South Island. It's the
result of years of hard work from our dedicated volunteers and supporters, and we couldn't be more
excited to welcome Supercars to our home," he said.
"Ruapuna has a proud grassroots heritage, and this investment will help us transform the venue into
a world-class facility that can deliver an unforgettable experience for fans, teams and drivers alike."
Photo:
RNZ / Angus Dreaver
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the announcement was significant.
"For more than 20 years Supercars Championship events have played an important role showcasing our beautiful country to an international audience and I'm thrilled the South Island will now be part of this from next year," she said.
"I'm pleased that with this investment from our Major Events Fund, New Zealand's strong relationship
with Supercars will continue in Taupo and extend to include Christchurch, with all the benefits that
brings."
Christchurch mayor Phil Mauger expected the event in Ruapuna would "inject millions into our local economy - from tourism and hospitality to local jobs and infrastructure".
Grove Racing driver Matt Payne celebrates winning race 10 of the V8 Supercar season, Taupo International Motorsport Park, Taupo, Sunday, 13, April, 2025.
Photo: Kerry Marshall / Photosport
Photo:
Kerry Marshall/www.photosport.nz
More than 67,000 fans were attracted to the event at Taupō International Motorsport Park last year, resulting in 22,000 visitor nights and $5.8 million in visitor spending.
Taupō District mayor David Trewavas was delighted to receive confirmation for three more years.
"The Supercars event has already proven to be a huge success for our community - it brings energy, visitors, and international attention to our district," Trewavas said.
"To see it grow into a two-week New Zealand celebration alongside Christchurch is fantastic for the whole country."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
4 hours ago
- RNZ News
NZ Warriors retain Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad at centre, name trio for return from injuries
Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad was a last-minute switch to centre against the Dolphins. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ NZ Warriors v Canterbury Bulldogs Kickoff: 9.35pm Saturday, 9 August Accor Stadium, Sydney Live blog updates on RNZ Sport Fullback Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad seems destined to log more time at centre for NZ Warriors, but three key performers have been named for possible returns form this week against Canterbury Bulldogs. Five-eighth Chanel Harris-Tavita (calf) and interchange forward Demitric Vaimauga (knee) have been included in the gameday line-up, after missing last week's last-gasp loss to the Dolphins, while co-captain James Fisher-Harris (calf) is among the extended reserves, pending a fitness test. Fisher-Harris was thought to be a two-week absence, but has managed some limited work at training. "I'm not surprised," he offered. "Day by day, bro... it's a pretty simple mindset, but that's how I roll. "When the time's right." Harris-Tavita has been preferred over Te Maire Martin, who replaced him in the halves against the Dolphins, but has served as a utility off the bench this season, covering anywhere in the backline and dummy half, as required. "There's still doubt over who's available, so we're waiting to see how they all go and then make a decision from there," coach Andrew Webster. "I didn't want to make a decision and be closed off to something, and then something changes. "I just want to wait and see how everything goes. There's an opportunity for Te Maire to go back to that utility role on the bench and then both halves play the way they did against the Tigers." With specialist centres Rocco Berry (shoulder) and Ali Leiataua (knee) both sidelined for an extended period, Webster opted to move Kurt Capewell back into the second row and shift Nicoll-Klokstad into the midfield, alongside winger Roger Tuivasa-Sheck. Adam Pompey moved across to shore up the right-edge defence and Taine Tuaupiki slotted in at fullback. "We're a bit low on centres at the moment," Webster said. "Taine did a really good job at fullback, Charnze did a really good job at centre. "I thought Charnze was particularly defensively sound and he was awesome at off-the-ball stuff, getting back to help the back five. I think Roger would be really grateful for the amount of work Charnze did to support him." Meanwhile, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo hasn't panicked, despite their upset loss to Wests Tigers last week, sticking with the same players. Canterbury had a chance to go top of the NRL table with a win, but were ambushed by Benji Marshall's side in the wet. Warriors: 1. Taine Tuaupiki, 2. Dallin Watene-Zelezniak, 3. Adam Pompey, 4. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 5. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, 6. Chanel Harris-Tavita, 7. Tanah Boyd, 8. Marata Niukore, 9. Sam Healey, 10. Jackson Ford, 11. Leka Halasima, 12. Kurt Capewell, 13. Erin Clark Interchange: 14. Te Maire Martin, 15. Edie Ieremia-Toeava, 16. Demitric Vaimauga, 17. Tanner Stowers-Smith Reserves: 18. Freddy Lussick, 21. Ed Kosi, 22. Kayless Fatialofa, 23. James Fisher-Harris, 24. Bunty Afoa Bulldogs: 1. Jacob Kiraz, 2. Jethro Rinakama, 3. Bronson Xerri, 4. Stephen Crichton, 5. Enari Tuala, 6. Matt Burton, 7. Lachlan Galvin, 8. Max King, 9. Reed Mahoney, 10. Sam Hughes, 11. Viliame Kikau, 12. Jacob Preston, 13. Jaeman Salmon Interchange: 14. Kurt Mann, 15. Harry Hayes, 16. Josh Curran, 17, Bailey Hayward Reserves: 19. Mitchell Woods, 20. Blake Wilson, 21. Daniel Suluka-Fifita, 22. Kurtis Morrin, 23. Toby Sexton Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
5 hours ago
- RNZ News
Fight to save Takapuna Golf Course's 18 holes continues after Auckland Council voted to convert half if it to wetland
Golfers are not giving up on efforts to save their beloved Takapuna course, as Auckland Council plans to turn a large section of it into a wetland . Head greenkeeper Steve Dowd had poured his heart into maintaining the course at AF Thomas Park for more than 20 years. "The course, as we know it, will be destroyed. My lifetime's work will be gone when it doesn't have to be. It's heartbreaking." In July, the council decided to go ahead with plans to convert half of Takapuna Golf Course - nine holes - into a flood storage and recreational area, to avoid a repeat of the suffering caused by the 2023 Auckland anniversary floods. But those backing an alternative proposal were confident that keeping the course at 18 holes while also safeguarding against flood damage was not only possible - but a better option. Photo: Nick Monro The 'Shoal Bay solution' would redirect stormwater through an underground pipe system from the course to the nearby Shoal Bay. About 200 people attended a recent community meeting, including long-time course user Jane Dent, who hoped the council would listen to them. "It would be an absolute crime if the council didn't look at the alternative plan that has been suggested. "This would be vandalism to dig this place up. A waste of government money when it doesn't need to happen. "This is one of only two golf courses in Auckland where people can just rock up and play. There's a lot of talk about how many golf courses there are. But there's only Takapuna and Chamberlain Park where anybody can just come and play. "I've been coming here for about 10 years with my friends we play every week. It's mental health, it's physical health, it's companionship. It's an incredibly important Auckland facility." As one of only two public golf courses in the city, a pensioner RNZ spoke to said Takapuna - which charged $40 on weekdays an $45 on weekends for 18-holes - was more affordable compared to private golf clubs. "Pensioners like me they can't afford to join a club. It's very expensive to play there." Photo: Nick Monro Dowd said it could cost thousands of dollars a year to join a private golf club. RNZ also spoke to university students who met up at the course weekly. Kyle Harris said it was the most affordable option for golfing in the city. "Takapuna is so good because it's great for beginners. It's not a super pristine place, but it's a place where everyone's welcome and you can come and have fun with friends." Haamid Patel had been going to the course for about four years. "A nine-hole wouldn't be as beneficial to us players. You'd have to treat it as a training course rather than an actual course. It would be a bummer." Photo: Nick Monro The course's proposal was also backed by professional golfer Ryan Fox, who had previously trained there. Golf course manager Eric Kang, who had been a part of the golf course for almost 30 years, said players as old as 93 were there regularly, and in the busy months, they saw as many as 400 people a day. He said about 50 people were involved in coming up with an idea to save the course, with a deadline of less than a month. "Ryan Fox, Lydia Ko, Michael Hendry all used to practice here. It's a part of new Zealand golfing history. Everyone just can't imagine it being anything else." He said the golf course paid the council $300k a year in rent and upwards of $450k a year in maintenance costs. Stormwater consultant Phil Jaggard said delivering lasting flood resilience for Wairau Valley - the area surrounding the golf course - was a priority. "The challenge that we have is that we're looking for a solution to mitigate the effects of climate change, address flooding, but also look after community assets. It's not just about golf." He said an underground pipe would be like a wetland and reduce the risk of neighbouring buildings flooding, including Eventfinda Stadium. Photo: Nick Monro Jaggard said their plan would be less costly to ratepayers than the council's and eliminate the need for a large artificial wetland. He said the total cost of the initial stages of the council's plan totalled $154.6 million dollars, of which the government would pay $36m. The course's proposal was estimated to cost about $38 million. He said they were currently having discussions with the council, and felt hopeful. "We can collaborate to achieve an outcome where everyone wins." Auckland Council director resilience and infrastructure Barry Potter confirmed to RNZ the council had met with golf course representatives. "Last week we met with North Shore Takapuna Golf Ltd's technical advisors, with a brief follow up earlier this week with two of their advisors and we will be meeting with them again on Friday 14 August. We have nothing further to add until we have had these discussions." The council was set to begin construction on the park in 2027. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
6 hours ago
- RNZ News
Warriors disappointed in two match ban for Dolphins player
The Warriors have expressed their disappointment in the two match ban handed to a Dolphins player for breaking Warrior Jacob Laban's leg. Felise Kau-fusi caused the injury after diving at Laban's legs during their NRL clash on Friday night, sidelining him for the reminder of the season. Sports reporter Jonty Dine spoke to Lisa Owen. Tags: To embed this content on your own webpage, cut and paste the following: See terms of use.
