Hyundai surfs to national profile

Hyundai hits the beach this summer, supporting the national surfing championship and its organisers. Hyundai is the major sponsor of the 2006 Hyundai National Surfing Championships at Ahipara in the Far north, 7 to 14 January.

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Richard Christie.

The fast-rising South Korean vehicle brand also sponsors Surfing NZ, with a range of quality SUVs.

"Hyundai owners are people who - like surfers - enjoy living life by their own rules as our slogan 'Drive your way' suggests, while getting out there and enjoying life, so we are keen surfing fans,” commented the Brand Manager of Hyundai Automotive NZ Quentin Drain.

“We are right in behind the sport and we’re looking forward to a big summer, especially the nationals which promise so much this year.”

The Hyundai National Championships will see surfers attempting to rewrite the record books again after last year’s stellar performance by then 16-year-old Richard Christie (Gis) who surprised everyone by becoming the youngest ever Open Men’s National Champion as well as winning the Junior Men (Under 18) title.

Other defending champions in 2006 include Jessica Santorik (Open Women) and Michael Fitzharris (Longboard).

Twenty divisions are contested at the event ranging from Under 14 Boys to Over 50 Men as well as shortboard, longboard, kneeboard and bodyboard disciplines.

Surfing New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Townsend says the organisation is rapt to have Hyundai involved.

“The National Champs is the longest running surfing event in New Zealand, holds the most prestige and gathers together the biggest field of surfers of any surfing event staged in New Zealand, so what better event for Hyundai to be part of?”

Mr Townsend says the new sponsorship deal will complement the current relationship that sees Surfing New Zealand staff at the wheel of Hyundai Terracan, Santa Fe and Tucson SUVs.

“What better place to put the vehicles through their paces than in the Far North where the event could be staged around the reef at Shipwreck Bay, up the coast along 90 Mile Beach or zapping over to the East Coast?” he added.

Hyundai, named as SPARC Media Sponsor 2004, is noted for its backing of a range of New Zealand sports organisations and individuals. Last month it launched Pinnacle, a national mentor organisation for top young sportspeople.

Internationally the brand is a key player at the Olympics and with soccer.

In New Zealand and worldwide Hyundai is riding a wave of success with a quality range of cars and SUVs delivering safety and value.

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