The Tūwharetoa Maori Trust Board and Ironman New Zealand today have come to an agreement on the use of Lake Taupo for the Ironman event.
The Chairman of the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board, John Bishara, said an ongoing relationship between the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board and Ironman New Zealand is important to both parties and the wider Taupo community.
Mr Bishara said "Lake Taupo is a taonga to Ngati Tuwharetoa and has provided for our people over many generations, as such, revenue from commercial activities will be invested back into our people". "The Tuwharetoa leadership and the Trust Board have always supported the Ironman event and will continue to do so. Events such as this bring huge benefits to the wider Taupo community and New Zealand and we are committed to supporting them."
Ironman New Zealand owners said they are pleased to reach an agreement.
"We look forward to our continued working relationship with the Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board for the use of Lake Taupo, and with our other key partners and stakeholders in the region," said Mr Geoff Meyer, CEO of Ironman Asia Pacific.
"Taupo is the home of Ironman New Zealand and we look forward to staging this long-standing, iconic sporting event in the region for many years."
Mr Bishara said Ngati Tuwharetoa and the Trust Board welcome the Ironman competitors and visitors to Taupo over the coming week and wish Ironman, a safe and successful event on Saturday 2 March and that visitors enjoy their time in the district.
The commercial arrangements between the Trust Board and Ironman New Zealand will remain confidential to the two organisations.
