North poised for huge Waitangi weekend | Northland News | Local News in Northland

Northland's "busiest weekend ever" is set to give the region a much-needed financial bonanza as thousands flock to the region for three days of major events.

Regional tourism boss Brian Roberts, of Destination Northland, said the Waitangi Weekend holiday over the next three days could be the busiest weekend ever in the region, with a diverse range of events to suit all tastes.

He said the event-packed weekend would provide a great boost to the region's hospitality industry and many other businesses would benefit from the influx of visitors.

Waitangi Day commemorations at Waitangi, which were to get under way today, are expected to draw up to 30,000 people to celebrate the nation's founding document between today and Monday with a full line-up of events there.

As well, the Blues will play the Hurricanes at Toll Stadium in Whangarei tomorrow in a Super Rugby warm-up game and the Black Caps will face Zimbabwe at Cobham Oval on Monday. Both games are expected to attract Aucklanders in droves.

A three-day longboard surfing competition at Sandy Bay from today; burnout competition at Dargaville; speedway at Whangarei tomorrow and Sunday and the Aotearoa Maori Bowls Tournament, until Sunday, at Kamo, Onerahi, Kensington, Whangarei bowling greens, are also on offering for sports fans.

Meanwhile, UK/Kiwi rock act I Am Giant will play at the Mangawhai Tavern tomorrow night and Kiwi favourites The Mutton Birds, Gin Wigmore and Avalanche City will perform at Tutukaka Marine Reserve on Sunday. "Really there's something for everybody and it's going to be a bonanza at a time when we need it. The weather forecast is really good and that will see people out and about and attract people up from Auckland," Mr Roberts said. He added that the financial boost would be significant.

Whangarei Mayor Morris Cutforth said he was wondering how he could get to all the events he had been invited to.

"I think we may need two mayors to cover everything in our region. Then there's Waitangi. I

"'ve had to cancel a long-standing appointment to go to the opening of the extension of the Opuawhanga Hall to meet the Prime Minister at Waitangi," Mr Cutforth said.

"It's great for the district and region and so exciting.

"It puts a lot of choices for people to go to and it should see the tills ringing well for our cafes and extra sales for other businesses."

The international events in particular would attract visitors from outside the region and it gave Northland the chance to showcase itself.

Far North Mayor Wayne Brown was unavailable, but the Far North District Council spends $80,000 a year sponsoring events to bring people to the district and boost business.

The council has also created an events calendar on its website. Groups planning events can also list them on the calendar free.

The calendar is linked to www.eventfinder.co.nz so any listings posted automatically appear on that calendar too.