Major Events Development Fund invests in Ultimate Waterman

13 November 2014

Major Events Development Fund invests in Ultimate Waterman event

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has announced the Major Events Development Fund is investing $300,000 in an international surfing event to be held in March 2015.

The Ultimate Waterman is a search to find the world’s best all-round waterman across six surfing disciplines: stand- up paddle board endurance, waka-ama endurance, longboard surfing, stand-up paddleboard surfing, tow-in surfing, and shortboard surfing.

Tourism, Sectors, Regions and Cities general manager Lisa Barrett says the Ultimate Waterman is a unique home-grown event that will test the elite competitors’ skills and endurance.

“The invitation-only contest will be based in Auckland with competitors travelling across New Zealand for individual events. Locations for each event will be selected on the day, using advanced weather-tracking systems to pinpoint the spot with optimal weather, wind, and swell,” says Ms Barrett.

“The event will pique the interest of a diverse audience, with New Zealand being home to more than 145,000 surfers and more than 23 million people in 89 countries regularly taking part in the sport across the world.

“Over time we expect significant numbers of international visitors will travel to New Zealand’s shores to support the event as our reputation as a surfing destination grows. The event will also attract an international audience through multiple TV, online and social media channels.

“This is consistent with the Government’s strategy of supporting major events that will deliver economic results while also showcasing New Zealand to the world.

“There’ll be opportunities for New Zealanders to take part in the event, with plans for competitions open to the public and supporting events to be held in Auckland,” says Ms Barrett.

ENDS

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