Aoraki Dragon Boat
Association (Inc)
Christchurch, NZ

Wellington regattas and festivals

"Wellington Dragon Boat Festival" are under new management from 2009, so expect things to be a little different in 2010.

New owner, Wendy Smyth, says she has a number of Australian teams coming over to Wellington (five from her Australian club alone) so she would like to refer them on to another venue so they can see the country.  Last time the team went to Auckland after racing in Wellington.

Meanwhile, Wellington dates [to be confirmed] are:

• Sunday 31-Jan-10 for 2km races "Round the Fountain". Note, the event is open to teams entered into the Wellington Dragon Boat Festival only.
• "2010 NZCT Wellington Dragon Boat Festival"
  Sat 27th and Sun 28th February 2010.
  Splash and dash over 200 m.
  "The course is set just metres off Frank Kitts promenade, making spectating accessible and exciting for everyone. Add to that food stalls, crafts, jewellery, face painting, chinese lion dancers, jugglers, and sometimes even Army tanks, this is an event that will keep you entertained all day long."

As they say on their website: "we understand travelling teams already have the expense of travelling to Wellington, your entry fees have been reduced to enable you to enter the Festival. Teams from other centres [eg Aoraki teams] entering the NZCT Wellington Dragon Boat Festival pay $1500 inclusive of GST for entry and crew tent.  This includes free entry to the Opening Ceremony and Saturday night Presentation Party.  You are welcome to purchase a training session in Wellington if you can make it here in time, for $165. Please contact the [Wellington] office for an 'out-of-town' team entry form".

For clubs and corporate crews entering a 2nd team, even if it is a Men's, Women's or Mixed you will receive 50% off the actual entry fee for the 2nd team. So for a travelling team the 2nd team will only pay $750 but will be required to share a tent with the first team. It is recommended if you have 3 teams from the one company or club then you hire a minimum of 2 tents for comfort.

Wendy Smyth, [kiwidragon at hotmail dot com]
Phone +64 4 471 0205
Fax +64 4 471 0495
Email crew@dragonboat.org.nz