Rotorua doctor calls on locals to share the buzz and smash NZ's largest orienteering event record

Give it a go, says Tom Reynolds, a local doctor and New Zealand elite orienteer. Photo/Supplied

Rotorua is set to host New Zealand's largest orienteering event but local participants are needed to help beat the record.

The local area will see a huge influx of top international orienteers to compete in the Middle Earth Orienteering Odyssey on Wednesday and Thursday this week.

There are free on-the-day entries to recreational grades for locals on both days - and this could allow Rotorua to take the record.

Orienteering Bay of Plenty (OBOP) is hosting two events between a major Easter Oceania Orienteering Carnival and the World Masters Games, both in Auckland.

Rotorua is an official host city for the World Masters Games and orienteering is the only participating sport to bring competitors to the region for specific warm-up events.

Not only can Kiwis enjoy the competition but also international visitors, mainly from Australia and Scandinavian countries, over two weeks of top-level orienteering in New Zealand.

About 1200 people have entered the Middle distance event around the Redwoods, Scion and Whakarewarewa Forest on Wednesday while more than 1300 people are entered in the Sprint distance event taking place in the Government Gardens and CBD the next day.

"It is a great chance for locals to experience the buzz of a major international orienteering event and give orienteering a go," said Tom Reynolds, a local doctor and New Zealand elite orienteer.

There are free on-the-day entries to recreational grades for locals on both days - and this could allow Rotorua to take the record.

The record for the largest NZ orienteering event is currently the World Masters Orienteering Championships held in Manawatu in January 2000. There were 1530 people at this event.

Reynolds, who is setting the Sprint event, said Rotorua could potentially smash that number and take the record.

"We encourage as many people as possible to come along and make the most of this opportunity," he said.

Simon Addison, Mercury Energy employee, who is setting the Middle event said he encouraged his workmates to come along and try orienteering as a team-building activity.

"It's a great way to get some exercise and have fun at the same time," he said.

OBOP has received help to organise the event from the Rotorua Lakes Council and various local businesses, including QE Health, Ball Busters and the Eat Street operators.

"It will be a great way to showcase Rotorua attractions," Reynolds said. "We will be utilising volunteers from many local organisations to help run the events on the
day."

Rotorua Boys' High School, Toi Ohomai, the Rotorua Police Association and various scout groups are all providing helpers.

People interested in giving the events a go can register on the day on Longmile Rd outside the Visitor Centre tomorrow or at the Energy Events Centre on Thursday between 10am and 12pm.

More information is available by emailing orienteeringbop@gmail.com.