Local Community Gears-Up For the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, Christchurch

“Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour will be a venue like no other for SailGP. Event-goers will be up-close to the action on the water, with Naval Point grandstands just 40m from the course, which is visually stunning in a unique natural amphitheatre. As the first-ever carbon positive sporting event in the world, we are proud to host this leg of the event in such an amazing natural environment,” said Budge.

“There will also be plenty of opportunities for locals to get involved in the action, whether through our volunteer scheme, youth internships, school outreach programme, community activations and more.”

Budge also outlined details of how ticket-holders and boaties can view the event and sought feedback on the draft traffic management plan for the surrounding area.

“The goal of our traffic management plan is to minimise the impacts on the local community. We’re looking for feedback on the plan now and we’ve already had some good ideas to consider.”

Vehicle access to Lyttelton from midday on race days will be restricted to those with a resident access pass, emergency vehicles and public transport. Free shuttles will carry ticket-holders from the Central City Live Site near Te Pae to Lyttelton throughout the day. Parking restrictions will be in place around the township. Find out more at www.christchurchnz.com/sailgp.

Residents at last night’s forum were keen to understand the detail of the plan and offered feedback which will be taken into consideration – such as specific residents’ parking spaces and accessibility matters. They were also keen to hear how the township and wider region would be promoted and what that might mean for the community.

ChristchurchNZ Acting General Manager Destination and Attraction Tracey Wilson outlined the likely impact of hosting the event, with 15,000 expected attendees in Lyttelton, 5000 people at the Central City Live Site, at least $3.2m in tourism expenditure, a global viewing audience of around 50 million and a quantified benefit estimated at $10.32million to the region.