Rally may move south

The New Zealand motor rally, traditionally held in the North Island, may be contested in the South Island in future.

Christchurch City Council has been asked whether it is interested in hosting the rally in 2001.

The rally, a round of the world championships, has been based in Manukau and raced in the upper regions of the North Island for the past 15 years.

However, Motorsport New Zealand and Major Events New Zealand have put the event out for tender for a three to five-year term from 2001, the council's strategy and resources committee was told yesterday.

Committee chairman David Close said a preliminary report was to be compiled to see whether the matter was worth pursuing.

- NZPA