OPINION: Waikato a sporting powerhouse

Labour list MP Jamie Strange. Photo / File

The Waikato is thriving in the sporting area. Significant national and international events hosted, or due to take place bring strong economic benefit to our region, supporting business, innovation and industry.

Hamilton's FMG Stadium hosted the HSBC New Zealand Sevens and Women's Fast Four Sevens. A sell-out crowd packed in to watch fast-paced rugby from the world's top teams.

Further matches include All Blacks v Tonga, and a rugby league test between Lions and Tonga. Regional rugby and league teams continue to perform well.

Led by Cycling New Zealand, at the Avantidrome, the UCI World Cup Series and Oceania Track Championships were hosted. The New Zealand Cycle Classic drew professionals from across the world, and the Cambridge Cycling Festival produced an impressive display, with a diverse range of competitors.

The Vantage Track National Championships, New Zealand's premier age-group track cycling event, was hosted in February, and returns in 2020. World-class BMX riders regularly visit for a range of high-quality events.

Hamilton's Seddon Park hosted five Blackcaps and White Ferns matches.

The Northern Knights and Northern Spirit continue to represent us proudly, with the Knights coming first and second over the past two years.

The New Zealand Rowing Championships, University Rowing Championships and the Maadi Cup were all held at Lake Karāpiro.

Waka Ama continues to thrive, with the Spring Nationals annually held at Lake Karāpiro, attracting crowds of over 10,000.

Our region regularly hosts the Canoe Racing Nationals, and international events, such as the Asia-Pacific Regatta.

In 2018, our Silver Ferns netball team played the Australian Diamonds at Claudelands. We continue to host WBOP Magic in the ANZ Premiership. In 2015, Hamilton's hosted eight matches in the Men's FIFA U-20 Football World Cup.

In 2017, Hamilton Boys' High School's 1st XI won the National Secondary Schools' Competition — the first Waikato team in 30 years. Three of our local football players recently competed for New Zealand in the Women's Under 17 World Cup, in Uruguay. Waikato football clubs represent us in nationwide tournaments.

Hamilton recently hosted the Yonex International badminton event, attracting players from 13 countries.

The St Peter's School Golf Academy continues to produce outstanding young players. A number recently competed in the New Zealand Golf Open. The multi-million dollar re-development of Lochiel golf course will increase our region's ability to attract world-class golfers.

The Colgate games, the North Island's premier athletics event for children, was at Porritt Stadium in January.

The Porritt Classic continues to be hosted annually, attracting Olympic-quality athletes.
National equestrian events are regularly held here, along with Equidays event in October.
In March, the New Zealand Senior Lacrosse Nationals were held in Cambridge. The Waikato U15 women's side won the national title in 2017.

Centred on our world-class track at Hampton Downs, motorsport regularly attracts top drivers and crowds. A key event this year is the Dodson Motorsport GTR Festival in June.
Drag racing competitions and events, such as the Frankton Thunder Show regularly attract drivers from across the country.

Kart sport continues to grow, with Hamilton's Porter Group Park hosting several top-tier racing meets, including the 2019 National Sprint Championships.

In January, the New Zealand U18 Girls Softball Championships were held at Resthills Park, with Waikato missing out by one run.

In March, the National Hockey Masters Tournament was held in Hamilton, and in September the Aon Kate Trolove Cup for Secondary School boys will be hosted here.
Our success in the sporting area has been a collaborative effort; my sincere thanks to all who have contributed.