Surf mecca Manu Bay is getting a spruce up ahead of the World Surf League Championship Tour event set to arrive in Raglan in mid-May.
By Jordan Smith, Local Democracy Reporter
The bay’s boat ramp will be closed from April 13 to 17 while safety improvements, including hard washing and hole and void filling, are carried out.
Users are being directed to alternative boat ramps during this period, subject to weather and timing.
The boardwalk around the bay has also been closed from April 7 until early May, as sections are replaced due to wear from the coastal environment.
Waikato District Council customer service deputy general manager Imelda Bolton said the work had been planned prior to confirmation of the international event.
“[It’s] been on the cards for quite a while and irrespective of an event coming,” she said.
“They have been on our maintenance plans for this year ... the timing is really around supporting safer access during a high-use period.”
The upgrades come as Raglan prepares for an influx of visitors, with the event expected to draw international attention and large crowds.
Whāingaroa General Ward councillor Lisa Thomson said the work reflects both community values and readiness for visitors.
“That's part of who we are in Raglan ... we take care of our community and our visitors as well, so it’s part of our manaakitanga and our responsibilities,” she said.
“Whether [they’re] from Huntly or even our locals from out at Te Mata or Ruapuke, they can come and feel proud about being a part of Raglan. We’re proud of our backyard, and we really want to take care of our local community first and foremost.”
Measures include maintaining public access to Manu Bay outside the event’s 11-day operational window and prioritising local travel and traffic management to reduce congestion.
Thomson said there had been “trepidation” among some locals, including whānau with whakapapa to the area, about the impact of increased visitor numbers.
However, she said the council is experienced in managing large crowds and is keeping community safety and interests “top of mind”.
She also pointed to growing excitement within the community, particularly among young surfers.
"One of my friends who has a surf academy student ... they’re really amped to go out and watch the WSL and meet some of the sports people,” she said.
“In fact, she was saying she’s already met and seen quite a number of her heroes already out in the surf having a practice so those opportunities are really great for rangatahi.”
Local Democracy Reporting is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
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