National surf champs move to Bay

Mount Maunganui will host the national surf lifesaving championships in two weeks after quake-hit New Brighton in Christchurch was ruled out.
Organisers now have the task of finding accommodation and transport solutions for nearly 1200 lifeguards, with the biggest surf carnival in the country returning for the first time since 2005.
Surf Life Saving New Zealand announced the move today, joining a growing list of sporting bodies forced to shift or cancel events in the city devastated by a 6.3-magnitude earthquake on Tuesday.
"It's clear to us that the infrastructure, accommodation and facilities won't be ready in time for New Brighton to host the championship but above all, we don't want to burden our staff, membership and supporters in the Christchurch area any more," SLSNZ general manager of programmes and services Nathan Hight said.
"They've been through a tumultuous time and they need time and support to focus on the things that really matter, like grieving and rebuilding."
Canterbury and Otago lifeguards have already been enlisted to help with the crisis in Christchurch, particularly in seaside suburbs like New Brighton and Sumner, while SLSNZ has officially offered support to the Ministry of Civil Defence.
SLSNZ also considered cancelling the nationals as a sign of respect but Christchurch-based members and club officials convinced them to try to find an alternative venue.
Mount Maunganui has already hosted the 10-day Festival of Surf Sports this summer, which including the Northern Regional championships, the three-test International Challenge and the Lion Foundation Surf League.
The four-day Oceans 11 under-14 championship also starts today, with the nationals due to start on March 10.
"Moving the championships to Mount Maunganui is an obvious choice - it's been proven over this summer the venue can easily handle big events in testing conditions, plus the staff are well versed in setting things up there," Hight said. "The Mount crew have already done an amazing job this summer and we've got plenty of faith that they will again work with us to run an outstanding event.
It will be a big effort to get things organised within the timeframe and we'll need assistance with things like accommodation and transport but we can definitely make it happen."
Six local clubs - Mount Maunganui, Papamoa, Omanu, Pukehina, Maketu and Whakatane - have already worked out lists of gear available for visiting clubs to borrow.
Gisborne surf craft manufacturer Sonic has also chipped in with boards and skis, while SLSNZ will provide emergency subsidies to help South Island clubs travel.
Local moteliers have also offered special accommodation packages, although it is likely some clubs will need to be billeted for the four-day championship.
SLSNZ is celebrating its centenary this year, with New Brighton one of the clubs formed 100 years ago.