Latest news with #ChallengeWānaka
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Funding boost from govt for 19 southern events
The South has been awarded just under $400,000 to help fund 19 different events, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced last week. The government is driving economic growth in the regions by investing $2.6 million in 152 regional events across New Zealand. Mrs Upston said she was thrilled with the variety of exciting events on offer, encouraging more New Zealanders to enjoy and explore New Zealand beyond the main centres. Events to get money in the South include Warbirds Over Wanaka, which received $50,000, the Steampunk NZ Festival which got $10,000 while $39,750 had been given to the Challenge Wānaka Festival of Triathlon 2026. Challenge Wānaka was under pressure to hold its event this year because of a lack of entries but managed to go ahead. It received a boost earlier this month when the event in February would also double as the New Zealand middle distance triathlon championship, making it an official qualifying event for the 2026 World triathlon multisport championships. Mrs Upston said investing in these events had a direct impact, with visitors spending money in local cafes, businesses and accommodation providers, driving economic activity in communities. "By growing regional tourism, our remote and rural communities can benefit from the economic opportunities it brings,'' she said. Events were excellent drawcards to get more visitors into the regions, particularly in quieter parts of the year. "New Zealand is open for business, and we encourage both Kiwis and international visitors alike to explore and enjoy what New Zealand has to offer." Funding comes from the $5m Regional Events Promotion Fund, which has so far invested in 284 regional events. Funding recipients Clutha $10,000 to The Magnificent Adventure Race Enterprise Dunedin $8643 to 2025 Port Chalmers Seafood Festival $40,000 to 2026 New Zealand Masters Games $10,000 to Emersons Dunedin Marathon $30,000 to The Dunedin Craft Beer and Food Festival $25,000 to Wild Dunedin — NZ Festival of Nature Great South $16,000 to Burt Munro Challenge 2026 $20,000 to NZ Premier Motorsport Summer Series, Next Gen Round 4 $5000 to Rakiura Rhyme Machine Festival 2025 $22,000 to The Shepherdess Muster 2026 $30,000 to Tussock Country – NZ Country Music Festival 2026 Lake Wanaka Tourism $15,000 to Aspiring Conversations 2026 $39,750 to Challenge Wanaka Festival of Triathlon 2026 $15,000 to Merino Muster Ski Marathon $10,000 to NZ Mountain Film and Book festival $50,000 to Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow Tourism Central Otago $8643 to Alexandra Blossom Festival $14,000 to The 70th New Zealand GrandPrix — round 5 Tourism Waitaki $10,000 to Steampunk NZ Festival — APL
Scoop
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Challenge Wanaka To Host The 2026 NZ Middle Distance Triathlon Championship
WĀNAKA, NEW ZEALAND — Challenge Wānaka is proud to announce that the 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half has been selected to host the New Zealand Middle Distance Triathlon Championship, making it an official qualifying event for the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships. This exciting news comes as Tri NZ announced the dates and races in this season's Tri NZ Suzuki Series, the national championship pathway for athletes aiming to represent Team NZL on the world stage. As part of the Tri NZ Suzuki Series, the 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half is not only a chance to race for a national title but also serves as a qualifier event* for the 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships in Abu Dhabi. This positions Challenge Wānaka as a key event in the national calendar for athletes aiming to represent New Zealand on the world stage. Early bird entries are now open, giving athletes the opportunity to compete for national honours and qualification spots on one of the world's most breathtaking and iconic triathlon courses. The 2026 race, set for Saturday, 21 February, also marks 20 years of Challenge Wānaka — a milestone celebrating the event's evolution. Since the first race in 2007, when just over 80 competitors lined up for a full-distance triathlon along the shores of Lake Wānaka and under the gaze of the Southern Alps, Challenge Wānaka has grown into a world-renowned event. Known for its breathtaking course, welcoming community, and exceptional race experience, it continues to draw athletes from across New Zealand and around the world. 'We're honoured to be hosting the National Middle Distance Championship in 2026 — and even more so in our 20th year,' said Race Director Jane Sharman. 'Athletes will be racing for a national title and the chance to represent New Zealand at the World Championships. It's a proud moment for our team, our community, and everyone who has been part of Challenge Wānaka's journey.' The Challenge Wānaka Aquabike will also return on 21 February 2026, offering athletes a stunning swim-bike format set against the spectacular backdrop of Lake Wānaka and the Southern Alps. Whether racing for qualification or a personal challenge, 2026 is set to be one of the most memorable editions in Challenge Wānaka's 20-year history. 2026 Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wānaka Half & Garth Barfoot Aquabike Event Date: 21 February 2026 - Early Bird entries now open For more information and to register, visit *Qualifier for 2026 World Triathlon Multisport Championships (Abu Dhabi). The Tri NZ Suzuki Series Mid Distance Triathlon is the qualifier for what World Triathlon terms as its 'Long Distance' Championship, next year in Abu Dhabi. The Long Distance triathlon at this coming June's World Triathlon Multisport Championships is listed as 3km swim, 121km bike and 30.2km run and will be of a similar distance in 2026. The Tri NZ Suzuki Series qualifier for the 2026 worlds in Abu Dhabi is incorporated into the Gallagher Insurance Challenge Wanaka Half (1.9km swim, 90km bike, 21.2km run).To find out more about the eligibility criteria for the National Series, visit the Triathlon New Zealand website.
