Go Raglan

Tourism and events bring people to Whāingaroa Raglan who may not otherwise visit at that time of year. Their spending supports accommodation, hospitality, retail, service stations, activity operators, contractors and local suppliers.

Marketview data covering the Karioi Classic, the combined Raglan Arts Weekend and Blues Festival period, and Soundsplash shows that approximately $2.58 million in electronic card spending was recorded across the three event periods. Around $1.46 million came from cardholders outside Waikato District, bringing new spending into the local economy.

This supports local livelihoods, including jobs, family businesses, self-employed operators and seasonal work. The total contribution may be higher, as visitors often arrive before events or stay afterwards.

Economic value is only part of the picture. Tourism and events also affect community wellbeing, infrastructure, public spaces, culture and the environment.

The five-year Tourism and Events Plan will bring together economic data and community feedback to guide future priorities. The aim is well-managed tourism and events that support local livelihoods, reflect community values and manage impacts.

More at our website: https://goraglan.com/data-insights-home/

Congratulations to Deborah, the winner of our recent Go Raglan promotion and a $100 voucher for ! We hope you enjoy a delicious meal and a great time at one of Raglan's favourite local spots.

A big thank you to everyone who entered and got involved. Keep an eye on Go Raglan for future competitions, local promotions, events and other ways to connect with what's happening around Whāingaroa.

And thanks to The Shack for helping us celebrate our local community 💙

🌊 Have your say on the World Surf League event in Whāingaroa Raglan

The inaugural Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy brought visitors, activity and international attention to our community. Now we want to hear from local residents.

What worked well? What challenges did you experience? Your feedback will help build a better understanding of the event's impacts on our community and inform future planning.

Complete the survey here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Y2Mh7HapaU
The survey takes around 5 minutes to complete.

From hospitality and accommodation to events, tourism and trades, local employers are facing many of the same challenges. The question is: what can we do together to build a stronger local workforce for the future?

The recent WSL event was a great example of what Whāingaroa can achieve when businesses, volunteers, community groups and organisations work together towards a common goal.

Last Thursday, we gathered at the Raglan Surf Lifesaving Club to continue that conversation, sharing ideas, challenges and opportunities for building a workforce that supports both local businesses and our community.

A big thank you to everyone who came along and contributed to the discussion. The conversation is just getting started!!

National Volunteer Week is coming up (14–20 June), and it's the perfect time to celebrate the people who help make Whāingaroa such a special place to live.

From volunteer firefighters and Timebankers to marae ringawera, Meals on Wheels drivers, Feed the Kids volunteers, Lions members and countless others, volunteers are at the heart of our community.

Looking to get involved? Go Raglan Jobs now includes volunteer opportunities alongside local jobs, making it easier to connect with community groups, events and organisations looking for extra hands.

Read how local volunteers like Margaret Huxtable are making a difference, and discover how volunteering can help build skills, confidence and community connections.

Go Raglan Jobs connects volunteers with community - Go Raglan From volunteer firefighters, Timebankers and Feed the Kids volunteers to marae ringawera (helping hands), the Raglan Lions crew, Raglan Rest Home helpers and more, countless people give their time to help keep our community thriving.

Edit: Finals Day park & ride tickets available online now 🌊

If you’re planning to head to Manu Bay, here’s what you need to know about transport, parking and venue capacity before you travel.

Festival Transport Passes are sold out, meaning many visitors will be relying on limited Event Day Transport Passes released once the event is officially called ON.

Manu Bay has a maximum event capacity of 6500 people, managed through the Park & Ride shuttle system. Once venue capacity is reached, Event Day Transport Pass sales at the Raglan Airfield will stop, with visitors encouraged to enjoy the live viewing locations around Raglan township instead.

If you’re hoping to purchase an Event Day Transport Pass:
• Arrive early
• Be prepared to queue at the Raglan Airfield
• Follow WSL event updates before travelling
• Have a backup plan if venue capacity is reached

Additional parking is available at Papahua Reserve and the Raglan Rugby Club grounds.

Please allow extra time, follow traffic management directions and help keep things moving safely for residents, visitors, buses and emergency access throughout the weekend.

It’s ON at Manu Bay today for the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy, with some of the best surf of the event forecast.

Corona Cero New Zealand Pro Presented by Bonsoy Men’s Round Three Remaining Matchups [Heats 2 - 8]
HEAT 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
HEAT 3: Liam O'Brien (AUS) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS)
HEAT 4: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 5: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 6: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
HEAT 8: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)

Corona Cero New Zealand Pro Presented by Bonsoy Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Alyssa Spencer (USA)
HEAT 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 4: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)

The Raglan Airfield Park & Ride is likely to reach capacity during peak times. Additional parking is available at:
📍 Papahua Reserve (around a 2 minute walk via the pedestrian bridge)
📍 Raglan Rugby Club grounds (around a 10 minute walk to the airfield)

If the airfield fills up, Manu Bay is also likely to be at capacity, with visitors encouraged to enjoy the live sites around town.

If you’re heading out:
• Arrive early
• Follow traffic management and parking signage
• Allow extra time for parking and transport
• Check WSL event updates before travelling

For event updates, parking maps and walking times head to:
https://corona-cero-new-zealand-pro-presented-by-bonsoy-event-guide.tiiny.site/
or worldsurfleague.com

The Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy has been called OFF for Friday 22 May.

The next call will be at 9am on Saturday 23 May, with some of the best surf of the event forecast for the weekend at Manu Bay.

For event updates, schedules and live coverage, head to the WSL website at https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2026/ct/494/corona-cero-new-zealand-pro/main

Awesome to see Xtreme Zero Waste and Go Raglan launch the Go Eco dishwashing caravan, officially in action at Manu Bay for the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy.

This has been a real community-led effort behind the scenes, with a lot of mahi going into funding – big thanks to Waikato District Councils Waste Minimisation Fund, logistics, planning and getting the trailer operational for the event.

A huge collective effort from and , with support from , and Karioi Catering, along with Nina Nouk and .dames who are helping bring the kaupapa to life onsite. The wash trailer will help reduce single use and highlight how we can easily choose reusables over creating unnecessary waste.

The kaupapa aligns strongly with many of the themes that came through community consultation around environment, choosing reusables, visitors and protecting what makes Whāingaroa special. It also connects closely with Xtreme Zero Waste’s vision of creating “a world without waste”

The countdown is on for the WSL at Manu Bay 🌊
Before heading to the Corona Cero New Zealand Pro presented by Bonsoy, check out the venue map, transport information and event FAQs to help plan your day.

For full FAQs check out: bit.ly/nzpro