Boxing Day race meeting is best regional event in NZ

BOXING DAY BIKES: The annual December 26 event has been acknowledged as "a community event with a global edge".PHOTO/STUART MUNRO

WANGANUI'S Cemetery Circuit motorbikes on Boxing Day have been recognised by heavyweights of the country's tourism and events industries.

Suzuki Series organiser Alan 'Flea' Willacy was in Wellington on Wednesday night to accept the award for Best Established Regional Event at the NZ Association of Event Professionals awards evening.

Willacy accepted the award after dressing up for a black tie function and dinner "which, for me, [is] very unusual. A very flash event".

"First time we've entered this event. It was incredible to win," Willacy said. "It was a thrill to just be in the final against these events, and then to win it."

After Cemetery Circuit was put forward for consideration, judges spokesman Kevin Bowler said the panel were impressed by the quality and growth of the event.

"The Cemetery Circuit is a community event with a global edge," said Bowler.

"Its long heritage and authentic experience has helped it attract riders from all over the world.

"It's a great show for the region and gives a serious boost to the local economy."

The awards recognise the country's leading events and event professionals, and celebrate industry excellence, said Bowler.

He is the chief executive of Tourism New Zealand, with the other judges being Creative New Zealand's Stephen Wainwright, award-winning journalist Amanda Millar, Brown Bread director Jo Blair and event consultant Chris Simpson.

The citation for the Circuit highlighted the record number of riders and the millions pumped into the local economy.

"The first organised race took place in 1951, making the Cemetery Circuit New Zealand's oldest street circuit motorcycle event.

"It attracts more than 10,000 local and national spectators every year and has grown from 180 riders in 2012 to 230 riders in 2014. Pouring $2m into the economy, the Circuit is Wanganui's most economically beneficial event."