In a media released dated August 12, 2025, Waipā District Council announces, “a recent report found that three Waipā events generated $1.6 million in economic activity”. (see release below)
Roy Pilott
Good Local Media has sought access to the report to confirm the validity of the claims.
The council responded “the Infometrics report contains commercially sensitive information of third parties, so we are withholding this under section 7(2)(b)(ii) of the Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act 1987”.
We understand one of the three event organisers mentioned in the release, which we would argue is a third party, has also been denied access to the report.
The report analysed the economic impact of the 2025 National Waka Ama Sprint Championships, Maadi Regatta, and Cambridge Autumn Festival.
Cambridge Autumn Festival committee members, from left Gary Verberne, Alana Mackay and Julie Epps in Victoria Square. Photo: Mary Anne Gill.
Horouta Waka Hoe Club’s Cynthia Sidney led the visiting waka ama teams into the pōwhiri at Lake Karāpiro.
A portion of the large crowd of rowing competitors on Victoria Square.
It is not acceptable for a council communications department – which just recently sought to lift its online following by offering the “inside scoop” on local body elections and regularly blocks Good Local Media access to information using the act – can ring fence information then quote it in a report. If it is permitted to do so, then quite clearly the council will be free to report whatever figures it likes, free from any scrutiny.
We note Informetric has posted this report from 2024. We argue that the refusal of the council to even provide us redacted information to support their claims highlights the position of the communications department as a media rival.
We also believe given its competitive role it should not be a party to any further discussions over the release or withholding of information to rival media.
We ask the Ombudsman to instruct the council to release the report to Good Local Media – and not through its communications department to all media.
12 August 2025
Media Release – Waipa District Council
Waipā events makes dollars and sense
Calling all event organisers, funding is now up for grabs to help bring Waipā events to life.
Waipā District Council’s District Promotion Fund offers $75,000 to support events that attract visitors, celebrate local people and places, and bring communities together – all while delivering strong economic returns.
Group manager customer and community services Sally Sheedy said the fund plays an important role in backing an industry that delivers real returns for Waipā.
“With world-class facilities on our doorstep, it makes sense to support an industry that brings people to our district and also boosts our incredible retailers, hospitality and tourism operators”.
New Infometrics figures back that up. A recent report found that three Waipā events generated $1.6 million in economic activity. The report analysed the economic impact of the 2025 National Waka Ama Sprint Championships, Maadi Regatta, and Cambridge Autumn Festival.
The contestable promotion fund supports Waipā based events, with priority given to those that attract visitors, use local venues and suppliers, and offer low-cost opportunities for residents to attend or participate.
Event organisers have until 5pm, Tuesday, September 2 to apply. Application packs can be downloaded from waipadc.govt.nz/districtpromotionfund or by emailing [email protected].
