There is positive news for those wanting the WSL New Zealand Surf Pro to come back to Raglan. Although numerous rumours around town have said it’s coming back the decision has yet to be made and is dependent on multiple issues including the need for evidence of economic benefits for the district.
Go Raglan is still working on gathering local evidence but MBIE’s May regional tourism data is out and shows international visitor spending across the Waikato District increased by 78% year-on-year during the competition.
This also translated to a 71% increase in commercial accommodation guest nights, with a big boost for campgrounds and holiday parks who increased their guest nights by 116% across the wider region.
In a statement to the Waikato Times, Raglan Business Chamber chair Katie Lowes said initial feedback from the business community was “very positive”.
While not every business saw an increase in customers over the competition period, many said they had hit record trade numbers and food vendors at Manu Bay had been extremely busy, she said.
WSL vice-president of tours and competition Renato Hickel previously told the Waikato Times he was keen to add Raglan to the fixed line up. But support from other parties was needed, including the Government – but he said if given the green light, the WSL could be back as soon as next year.
From 20 July, council will begin installing new speed limit signs across Waikato district.
Around 270 sections of road will have new speed limits but on this side of the divvy it appears the only major change will be reducing the speed limit outside Te Mata School to 40km/hr. WDC has also designated that future roads in the extended Rangitahi development and the proposed development on the Koning Farm will be 40km/hr.
Across the Harbour Te Akau Wharf Road will be dropping form 100 km/h to 60 km/ while Ryan Road will be dropping from 100 to 30 because it’s designated as a permanent, unconventional, low-volume and low speed road.
The changes are in alignment with the government’s Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024. Which is known for increasing road speeds but this has not happened locally.
In local sport the Whaingaroa Whai Tane are playing at home this weekend against the Hauraki Tigers, 2pm at the Rugby grounds. It’s a top of the table clash with Whaingaroa currently in second place and the Tigers unbeaten after seven matches. The Whai will be hoping their legendary home crowd will make the difference this weekend. Meanwhile, the Wahine are in Huntly taking on Taharoa Steelers at 2.30 pm on Sunday. Just like the Tane they’re in second place on their table and will be taking on the number one ranked team but the key difference is both teams are on equal points so the game could go either way.
The Raglan Roosters Football team are having an unprecedented season where a string of losses has them sitting firmly at the bottom of their league table. They’re playing a home game at Papahua at 1pm on Sunday and it’s hoped local knowledge about the imperfections in the pitch will help them get a rare victory.