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Subaru in the World Rally Championship - Source: Photosport
The Government is providing $250,000 towards Rally New Zealand 2010 to help try to keep New Zealand on the World Rally Championship (WRC) circuit beyond this year.
Economic Development Minister Gerry Brownlee said today the money would come from the Major Events Development Fund to be used for better promotion of the event offshore and to build stronger relationships with key Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) officials and event promoter North One Sport.
Rally NZ chairman Chris Carr said the $250,000 was gratefully accepted considering the squeeze that had been on since the recession hit, and that the cause was worthwhile.
Carr said the New Zealand had been on the WRC circuit for 40-years, but the FIA had recently undertaken a schedule review and New Zealand did not feature on the calendar from next year onwards.
"The calendar gave them (FIA) what they considered to be the best bang for their buck in promotional terms, and realistically New Zealand didn't stack up in dollar terms because it's too little, too small and too far away," he told NZPA.
Carr said the New Zealand leg of the event had been great in terms of showcasing New Zealand to the world and it was well worth trying to push a case for New Zealand to remain part of the circuit.
"The money we've got will be going towards making this event a better event, which makes it a more promotable event, which gives us a better chance of being on the calendar in the future.
"Basically what it means is that we can add bells and whistles to what we already have."
Mr Brownlee said the extra funding would be used to upgrade the start and finish ceremonies and develop sections of the rally to provide better television viewing for international audiences.
"The Government's support will help meet some operational costs for North One Sport within New Zealand, and provide additional support for some of the more high profile and influential teams during their stay in New Zealand."
This year's rally is based in Auckland and starts on May 7.
