Give Sponsors Space
This is the message that has been sent to the politicians of the region by the organisers of the 2005 Gallagher Great Race.
On Saturday 10th September upward of 20,000 people are expected to be on the Waikato River banks in Hamilton cheering and supporting local and national crews in the 4th Gallagher Great Race event. Exactly one week later those same people will be turning out at the election booths.
Organisers, Boathouse Events Limited, are conscious that this sort of crowd one week out from the elections creates an ideal promotional opportunity for politicians, and that makes them nervous.
Event Director Mark Ingle says, 'We have written to each of the political candidates in the region, appealing to their good natures and asking them to refrain from displaying or distributing any political signage or material on the day of the race, in the areas for which the event has obtained resource consents.'
'Hamilton City Council and Environment Waikato have provided us with an event license and relevant resource consents. These consents provide us with certain rights and obligations within identified areas', says Ingle
The areas referred to are:
- Grantham Street (including banks of river and park areas)
- Bridge Street (Victoria Bridge)
- Memorial Park and Pirahna Park
Ingle notes, 'We understand that our event falls at a crucial time for politicians but I am sure that they appreciate the importance of limiting signage only to our official sponsors, without whom this wonderful community event would not be able to take place.'
'Our request seeks to appeal to our politicians community spirit and understanding. Free events like The Gallagher Great Race require significant investment by sponsors and as such we strive to provide all sponsors with the uncluttered exposure they deserve', says Ingle.
At the Gallagher Great Race in 2004 the event organisers experienced the full brunt of political campaigning. Numerous local body election candidates turn out on race day flaunting their wares. Cars had to be towed, sandwich board wearers asked to leave and one candidate, who at the time was enjoying sponsors hospitality in the sponsors lounge, was requested to have a plane towing their message removed from the area.
We are not naïve, says Ingle, referring to his belief that the temptation may be too much for some politicians to get their own agenda's out amongst the masses.
'Watch this space, as it will be a good test of their integrity and if they really have our communities interests at heart. Hamilton is a big place to campaign, we merely seek to have one small part of it free of propaganda for a day.'