Motorsport: Govt steps in to save Rally of NZ

The Government will consider stepping in and helping save next year's Rally of New Zealand, Prime Minister John Key says.

The proposed dates for the 2011 World Rally Championship (WRC) have been released, and the Rally of New Zealand does not feature.

WRC promoters don't believe the rally is meeting its promotional objectives, which prompted Rally of New Zealand organisers to bemoan a lack of government backing.

It could mean that this year's rally, beginning on May 6, could be the last WRC event to be staged here.

Mr Key said today he was going to "have a look at it".

"I understand they need about three quarters of a million dollars, and that's a big deal," he said on NewstalkZB.

"It's a sport that New Zealand has a very long history in, so I'm going to have a look at it and see whether it's possible for us to play some part.

"I can't guarantee we can ride in as a white knight, but we will look at it."

- NZPA