The Targa Rally can be a win-win for motor sport fans and the local communities who host it, says Maihiihi Primary School deputy principal Katie Robinson.
Dynes McConnell and his sister and co-driver Melody McConnell beside their classic Porsche 930 in the Targa Rally.
The Labour Weekend timing didn’t work in Waitomo district where road closure applications were declined – but it did work in the Otorohaga district.
While organising a team of 18 volunteer marshals from the school, Robinson said the school appreciated the opportunity to both serve a community event and generate some much-needed income.
“Our marshals looked after a 30 km stretch of road, from Otewa Rd to Mangatuitu Rd, with our people taping off gates, driveways and openings along that section of the rally.
“I was touched at how our people were prepared to give their time over the long weekend to help the school in this way. It’s the kind of good-natured support you often find in country areas – and we certainly have that here,” she said.
The volunteers themselves told The News that they were more than happy to help.
“It was this of look after kids for the day – I knew which one I was going to choose,” one man said.
“I have a lot of time for the Targa,” one woman added.
“As share milkers we have lived in seven locations and each one of them has been in an area where the rally went past our gate. We’ve found it to be well run and absolutely no inconvenience. If anything, it just adds a bit of spice to life.”
The four-day 570km rally, completed on Monday, took in roads in and around Ōtorohanga, Kāwhia Harbour and King Country and finished in Rotorua.
Top honours in the rally went to Marcus van Klink and his co-driver Matt Richards – who also won the 2023 rally.
Some of the 18 volunteers from the Maihiihi community who acted as marshals for their section of the Targa Rally on Saturday. Back row from left, Katie Robinson, Deb Druce, Aaron Robertson, Mathew Szytkiel, Steph Berge, Lyall Carr, Duncan Roobottom and Zach Walsh. Front, Kohen Henry, Joeli Henry, Shekinah Henry and Amanda Roobottom. Photo: Paul Charman
