The globetrotting businessman who prompted Napier City Council to plan an artificial wave-park has applauded the council's swiftness in moving to attract a commercial operator in the face of possible competition with other cities.
Rod Drury, who lives in Havelock North, but "swims" in Napier, says the council's approach is all about "being open for business", and encouraging business to operate in the city.
In this case, it's a business which, according to projections by the international company behind the Wavegarden concept, could require a business investment of $3.3 million to $10 million to set up the attraction.
The variation depends much on location, including access to a pond or lake, and numerous other aspects, but there is no suggestion the council invests in the project, other than helping facilitate it.
The concept, involving a 220-metre-long surfable wave, has been established at about 15 sites worldwide, but none yet in New Zealand.