How Raglan coped with a World Surf League invasion - and won
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Worries of Raglan grinding to a standstill amid the World Surf League have been put to bed.
The traffic management plan for the international event has been deemed a success by the Waikato District Council, especially after 5350 spectators utilised 20 continuous buses for the event’s Sunday spectacle, according to mayor Aksel Bech.
As fans piled in from the assembly point at Raglan Airfield and were transported to Manu Bay, the event reached its total capacity of 6500 at 1pm.
Whilst buses slowed down to a one-in/one-out configuration, Bech said it was “managed really well”.
“You can imagine how that could easily translate into chaos but it didn't, so we're pretty stoked with how that's working.”
Feedback from locals has been nothing but positive according to Raglan/Whāingaroa councillor Lisa Thomson.
“People have been more surprised that it’s going well and there will be things that we will need to reflect on,” she said.
Thomson pointed out just how critical the airfield has been in the success, saying how the 2000-odd cars parked up is in walking distance from the town’s centre.
The design alone has meant parking in town is “no different than a summer’s day”, Thomson says, adding there’s no congestion in the centre of town.
'If we didn't have that, it would be a nightmare,' she said, referring to the airfield.
“They’ve got lots of signage out, there’s VMS boards that say ‘no parking at Manu Bay’… the traffic management team’s out doing a great job… it’s actually working really smoothly from my perspective.”
'There's 6500 people out on site at Manu Bay and there's still the normal action that's happening in town. For a little community with a one-way bridge, it's working well.'
The impression’s spread far and wide, as mayor Bech said the Minister of Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell was 'delighted' at not only the transportation but the entire operation after a conversation between the pair.
Minister of Tourism Louise Upston was also in attendance and gave her positive outlook to the Waikato Times.
“I’m really impressed by what I saw and will be watching the rest of the competition closely,” she said.
“From the professionalism of the organisers to deliver a great event, to the commitment and skill of the competitors and the very warm welcome, it was fantastic to be part of.”
Bech said he would love to see the WSL come back to Raglan, adding capacity could even increase as the council now “knows what we’re doing”.
He added that while he doesn't encourage the Government to 'drop surprises of this size on councils', only providing three months for what is usually a year of preparation, council is grateful to have the opportunity regardless.
'There'll be lots of learning so that we can make it smoother for the event organiser, for ourselves and just make sure everyone not only stays safe… but also just has a great time.'
Thomson said the biggest thing to work on for next year would be providing free or subsided bus travel for locals, but she was ecstatic with how the event is looking and feeling right now.
“Heaps of people with their picnic blankets and chairs just set up and then kids just amping to get the signatures of the pros… given the short period of time to get this up and running it's something I think the community should be proud of.'
'I knew we lived in paradise but now watching all the drone footage, it's just beautiful. It actually looks like AI, but it's not.'