Palmy set to shine as events expected to boost the city this weekend

Published on 12 September 2024

Palmy is the place to be this coming weekend, with three major events bringing thousands of people into our city and even more to the wider region.

Davis Cup and the annual Daybreaker Rally are being hosted in Palmy, and were successful recipients of funding from the Council’s Major Events Fund. The National Hockey Championships also received funding from the Sports Event Partnership Fund.

Our Major Events Fund is a contestable fund created to support the attraction, development and growth of events in Palmerston North. These events need to be appealing to locals and bring people into the region. They complement other signature council-run events like Esplanade Day, Festival of Cultures, Puanga and many more.

City Mayor Grant Smith says major events like these play a large role in our city’s economy.

“For a relatively small investment from city ratepayers, these three events are bringing in a combined $5.4 million to our local economy through accommodation, hospitality and shopping. This helps keep our economy pumping and is great for local employment. It also means our residents get a taste of major events right on their doorstep, with no need to travel elsewhere for such events.”

Tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming Davis Cup tie at our Fly Palmy Arena on September 14 and 15, which is a sell out.

In this World Group 2 showdown, New Zealand will face Luxembourg in a battle for national pride, with players competing for their countries over two days of intense singles and doubles matches on a specially designed indoor court.

This sold-out event has already sparked excitement, drawing 1,200 entries for a council competition offering a weekend getaway in Palmerston North, with participants entering from as far away as England and Salt Lake City.

Mayor Grant Smith says the Davis Cup in particular was a real coup to get.

“There was tough competition for us to bring the Davis Cup to the city, and we’re thrilled we became the successful host. To have some of the best tennis players in New Zealand playing right here is great for our residents to go and watch, and to inspire young children to pick up a racket and give tennis a go this summer. Our Central Energy Trust Arena is host to the tie, and this event is yet another demonstration that our Council-owned facility is punching above its weight as a regional stadium bringing major events into our region.”

On the other side of the Arena, motorheads are gearing up for the annual Daybreaker Rally. The event commences at 4 pm on 13 September at Te Marae o Hine- The Square with a ‘meet the crews and car’ show.

The cars will then convoy to the Arena Pits Lane at 5.30 pm for a head-to-head super special stage at 6 pm with multiple spectator spots to catch all the action.
The rally resumes the following morning for a 192km competition along gravel roads.

Continuing with the sporting theme, the National Hockey Championships will be held from 15 to 21 September at the Twin Turfs on Manawaroa Street and the Massey University Turf. This event is expected to bring around 3,000 people to the city.

And over in our neighbouring town of Feilding, the Manawatū Military Tattoo will be held from 14 to 15 September at Manfeild Stadium.

There will be multiple road closures around the wider region but mainly in Manawatū and Rangitīkei Districts.