Capital to welcome Michael Campbell home with parade

Wellington city will come to a standstill next Friday for a parade to welcome home and celebrate the success of champion golfer Michael Campbell.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast described Michael's win at the US Golf Open and his fifth placing in the British Open as extraordinary and said the parade will be a celebration of these achievements.

"We're a city that knows the meaning of hard work and perseverance and we openly celebrate success. Michael is an inspiration to all of us and a reminder that someone from the Wellington region can take on the world's best and win."

The July 29 parade will start from Parliament at 12.45pm and make its way along Lambton Quay, Willis Street, and Mercer Street before entering Civic Square just after 1pm for a public reception hosted by Ms Prendergast.

The reception will include speeches by Campbell, Sports Minister Trevor Mallard and Larry Graham, CEO of the NZ Golf Association. Ms Prendergast will make a presentation to Campbell.

The tickertape parade will feature floats with golf themes, young golfers of the future, several bands and performers, with the man of the moment on the final float.

"I'm sure people will turn out in droves to welcome Michael and congratulate him," Ms Prendergast said.

"We want to give him the kind of reception he deserves so I am encouraging everyone to line the streets and fill Civic Square next Friday."

A rolling road closure managed by police will operate closing roads and intersection as the parade passes.

- NZPA