Kiwi campaigners get shirty!
Campaigners hoping to bring racing back to the streets of Wellington, New Zealand, have stepped up their efforts by releasing promotional t-shirts.
The Wellington Street Race Supporter’s Group is hoping to revive the glory days of the 1980s and mid-1990s, when the cream of touring car racing came to the North Island city. Supporters of the project hope to attract a round of the the Australian V8 Supercar Championship to the city.
The t-shirts are designed to sway the opinions of city council leaders as they decide whether or not to give their backing to the bid.
Featuring the 'Bring it On' slogan, the shirts are available in both red Holden and blue Ford versions, or a neutral design in black.
The latest twist in the campaign follows on from two recent surveys which found huge support for the street race. Wellington City Council’s independent survey, which polled 600 residents, found that 72 per cent were in favor, with only 14 per cent against.
Meanwhile, Wellington Chamber of Commerce’s membership survey, found that 93 per cent of businesses (529) which responded were supportive.
The council is due to meet to discuss initial reports in early March. Public meetings will be held as part of its annual plan process that starts on 9 March. Key factors for the council in deciding to go ahead are the positive economic impact on the city of the race, setup and maintenance costs and the level of support for the race.
"While we can’t influence the technical information, all of us can make a difference to how the council views the economic impact and the support for the race," says the latest Street Race Supporter’s Group newsletter.
"We need to continually demonstrate to councillors that all of us will openly support their decision to back the race - especially if the key financial drivers are larger than the council would normally support."
Some of the best ways to this, according to the group, include:
- dropping councillors a quick email telling giving support to the race and saying that it should go ahead;
- telling the councillors that supporters will invite friends and family to the city to ensure a great turn out at the race;
- asking councillors what can be done to help.
"You can also order a t-shirt, and wear it everywhere!" the newsletter adds.
Full details of the campaign and how to order the shirts can be found at www.wellingtonstreetrace.co.nz.
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