Rotorua is excited about its selection to host the 2012 Pre Worlds and the 2013 World Rafting Championships in November next year as it will be the first time the international event has been staged in New Zealand.

The bid by Rotorua District Council (RDC), Kawerau District Council (KDC) and the New Zealand Rafting Association triumphed over strong competition from Japan and Serbia. The last World Rafting Championships were held in Costa Rica. Around 50 teams of six rafters from throughout the world are expected to compete in the open event, while more teams will compete in the world youth section. The event is also expected to attract a large number of officials, supporters and spectators, and will generate significant international media exposure.

The New Zealand Rafting Association will also run a ‘pre-worlds’ competition in October this year to trial the rivers and simulate conditions for next year’s world championship event. Rotorua was instrumental in the success of the bid with locals Niki Kelly (New Zealand women’s team captain), Nick Chater (New Zealand men’s team captain) and Jason Wright (manager of the New Zealand men’s team and Kaitiaki Adventures) liaising between all parties in order to create a compelling and cohesive case for Rotorua and New Zealand.

Rotorua will be the base for all participants for the duration of the event, while the competition will take place on the Kaituna, Rangitaiki and Tarawera rivers. The Kaituna River will host the open time trials and head-to-head races, the youth event and open slalom will be on the Tarawera River in Kawerau, and the down-river race will be on the Rangitaiki River.

Information 2012 Pre Worlds

• Dates: 19 – 21 October 2012
• Location: Rotorua, New Zealand
• Rivers: Sprint and H2H on Kaituna; Salom on Kawerau;  Down River on Rangitaiki
• Categories: R6 Men’s/Women’s/Masters
• Entry Fee: NZ$50 per team member
• Closing Date for entries: 20 September 2012
• Contact person: Raewyn Larcombe, nzraftingassociation@xtra.co.nz

Event website: www.2013raftingworldsnz.com

Below you can download the first information letter. The registration form can be downloaded here.