SailGP Site Works Under Way In Lyttelton

Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour will be on the global stage when SailGP touches down in Ōtautahi Christchurch on 29 and 30 January 2022.

The Council fast-tracked aspects of their Naval Point Development Plan to ensure the site is ready for racing, specifically sealing the overflow car park next to the recreation grounds.

Both ChristchurchNZ and Christchurch City Council continue to work with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Rapaki to ensure tikanga, correct cultural practices and values, were being followed in all work in the lead up to the event. This included arranging for the culturally appropriate decommissioning of certain buildings and ground areas before work began.

Loren Heaphy, ChristchurchNZ General Manager Destination and Attraction, said SailGP was a chance to showcase Ōtautahi Christchurch and Ōhinehou Lyttelton to a global audience, while giving Kiwis the chance to see the high-speed racing up close.

“Event planning is progressing well, and announcements will be made in the lead up to SailGP letting people know how they can view and get involved in this exciting event,” Heaphy said.

“A comprehensive traffic management plan will be in place, including details of how residents and spectators can access Lyttelton and Naval Point.

“We will also be working with local businesses on how they can maximise the opportunities SailGP presents.”

Andrew Rutledge, Christchurch City Council Head of Parks, said significant effort had gone in behind the scenes before physical works could begin at Te Nukutai o Tapoa - Naval Point.

“We are grateful for the support and patience of the many groups who use this site, as we have worked out a way to make it ready for this exciting event and start stage one of the development plan,” Rutledge said.

“There will be some disruption to access over the coming months while work is carried out, but the public boat ramp is operating as normal and there is car and boat parking available beside that.

“The benefits of this work will be recognised long after the SailGP event has finished and are aligned with the wider development plan.”

The works are expected to take six months.

“We will continue to update users about these stage one works and are also working closely with ChristchurchNZ and SailGP to keep the community – both on the peninsula and in the city – informed about the opportunities and impacts the sailing event will have on them,” Rutledge said.

Manaia Rehu, chair of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, said they are honoured to have the event on Whakaraupō Lyttelton Harbour and be representatives of Māori culture to a global audience.

“Whakaraupō is a special part of our identity and as kaitiaki, guardians, of this beautiful place, we are pleased to welcome the world to our backyard,” Rehu said.