IRONMAN New Zealand to stay in Taupo

Taupo will remain the home of the Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IRONMAN New Zealand and Kellogg's Nutri-Grain IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo for at least another five years.

Taupo District Council, Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board and IRONMAN completed an agreement today on a new partnership to host the international sporting event through to 2021.

Since the event was introduced to Taupo 18 years ago, over 30,000 participants from more than 60 countries have competed in IRONMAN Taupo, bringing around $100 million into Taupo and around New Zealand.

Chief executive Gareth Green said he is delighted the event will remain in the Taupo District.

"It is the largest event on our town's calendar and makes a huge financial contribution to our district with the thousands of competitors from here and abroad entering each year. It's also brings some great attention to our district through international media coverage of the event.

"One of the other benefits is the fantastic way it has united our community. We always have thousands of volunteers out on the streets supporting the athletes on race day. There's a magnificent spirit in the town and they have really taken an ownership of this event."

Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board chief executive Topia Rameka said the renewed agreement is a positive result for the community.

"Lake Taupo is a taonga to Ngati Tuwharetoa and we are pleased IRONMAN will maintain their long relationship with the district," he said.

IRONMAN Oceania managing director Dave Beeche said the Taupo District's location and infrastructure is excellent for events of this size.

"On top of this the community spirit from the town is amazing and the volunteers who get involved all play a large part in making this experience special for those who take on the IRONMAN challenge."

IRONMAN 70.3 Taupo takes place on December 10 2016. The next IRONMAN New Zealand takes place on March 4 2017 will be the 19th time it has been hosted in Taupo.