The prestigious 2011 Dunlop Targa Rally will finish in Havelock North with a big party planned, but council reactions to the national event have varied.
The rally starts in Auckland on Monday, October 24, with a fast eclectic field. Competition vehicles range from vintage sports cars, to expensive European machinery and state-of-the-art 4WD rally cars.
Drivers hurl their vehicles over hundreds of kilometres of closed, sealed roads around rural North Island during six days of racing. Cars to line up in this year's event include assorted models of BMWs, a number of ultra-quick Nissan GTRs and the exotic StillenGT-R driven by US-based Kiwi flier, Steve Millen.
Havelock North will again become post-rally party central on Saturday, October 29, when competitors, teams and supporters wind down after a gruelling week of competition.
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said local businesses will benefit from the visitors and national publicity.
"The competitors love our roads and it's another chance to highlight Hastings to potential visitors," he said.
"Council is determined to do all it can to attract these types of events to Hastings.
"Businesses all over the region will see the value of bringing this event here, with cafes, restaurants and motels likely to benefit from the influx of visitors."
A breakfast ahead of the official prize giving is to be held in the Hawke's Bay Opera House in Hastings on Sunday, October 30, from 9am.
But Tararua District Councillors voted last month to not yet grant the rally's application for road closures. They want to discuss the length of time they will be closed, with some roads around Ormondville closed for six hours. Residents would either be stranded in their homes, or could not return to their properties.
Councillor Chris Southgate said the issue came up every year. "Practically every year when the issue comes up, we are under pressure to allow the rally to go ahead because of the short notice," he said.
A decision would be made at this month's meeting.