Sailing, sun and music to celebrate Auckland Anniversary Day

By STUART DYE

Maybe it's a reflection of the busy lives we lead, but most people weren't celebrating Auckland Anniversary Day at regattas, concerts or car shows.

They were mowing lawns, washing cars, painting fences, shopping or taking the kids for one last swim before the school year starts.

The holiday was, for many, set aside for the mundane tasks that simply don't get done in the hectic working week.

Legal typist Lynley Simpson was mowing the lawn of her Blockhouse Bay home and said she "might go the local park later" with 3-year-old daughter Mercedes.

"It's just a day off work with a chance to catch up on things."

That's not to say the wealth of events around Auckland were not well attended.

The biggest draw, the New Zealand Herald Auckland Anniversary Regatta, featured 350 boats, 1000 competitors aged from 8 to 80, 35 classes and 10 courses.

While only a few hundred were at Manukau Harbour to watch the events there, thousands took up vantage points around Waitemata Harbour to enjoy one of the world's largest one-day regattas.

Many people turned out at the Viaduct and Princes Wharf and were equally interested in the free jazz performances and sunning themselves.

It was a glorious day for sunbathing or enjoying a cooling drink but not so good for sailing.

John Hollies, chairman of the regatta committee, said the start was slow in light winds but the wind picked up later and it had been an excellent event.

"Spectator interest was high and they had the weather on their side," he said.

"For the sailors, in what is typical of Auckland at this time of year, the wind conditions became perfect from about 5pm onwards."

Meanwhile, music fans at The Edge Jam in the Park at Coyle Park in Pt Chevalier could not understand why anyone would miss out on free entertainment.

Robyn Stoddard was there with her family and 5000 other fans to see bands including Goodshirt and Zed.

She said it was a great event for all ages to relax and enjoy themselves on the last day of holidays before getting back to school and work.

"Who wants to stay at home when you can come and picnic in the park with live music and all these people? It's the last day of fun before real life starts again."

The number of visitors to Auckland Zoo was a record for a public holiday and included throngs of Asians attending special events celebrating the Chinese Year of the Monkey.

Events co-ordinator Jackie Sanders said more than 4000 people had passed through the gates to see the shows.

"We had more coach parties than usual, which added up to a very busy and a very good day for us."

But others had to concentrate on chores.

Shopping mall managers said it had been a "steady day" but they had no customer figures available. However several shop owners at St Lukes said it had been particularly busy.

One shopper, Gemma Raymond, an IT technician, said the holiday was the only chance to get to the shops. "And all the sales are on so it's a good time to go."


Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/marine