Surf Life Saving New Zealand has been overwhelmed by local support ahead of the national championships in Mount Maunganui this week.
The nationals were switched from Christchurch following the 6.3-magnitude earthquake two weeks ago, with officials scrambling to make sure the 1100 athletes could be transported and accommodated in time.
"The Mount
has really pulled through - we've got more than enough accommodation and everyone has just been outstanding," SLSNZ event manager Haley McMahon said.
"We've established a great relationship with local suppliers over the past couple of years and organising the nationals to come here in such a short timeframe has been a lot easier than I thought possible. It's all come together so well."
The State-sponsored nationals starts with the masters competition on Thursday and the open ranks begin their programme on Friday morning.
Despite the late change to the venue, 1125 athletes will still attend, down by less than 100 from last year's championships in Ohope.
The surf lifesaving movement is celebrating its centenary this season and McMahon believes there was a desire to overcome the gloom of the Christchurch quake.
"We pay a subsidy to surf officials to help them attend and I've really been overwhelmed how many have said not to worry about it, to put it towards getting the South Island clubs up instead."
