NEWS RELEASE 14 February 2008

Weekend events likely to cause traffic delays

This weekend is set to be one of the busiest on the Meridian Summer City calendar with several major events taking place around Wellington's waterfront. Due to the anticipated popularity of these events, Wellingtonians should expect traffic delays, particularly if they plan to travel along the waterfront quays or to the Airport on Sunday.

On Saturday, three major events are taking place:

* The inaugural Bowl-A-Rama skateboarding comp at Waitangi Park between 11am and 6pm.

* The inaugural Absolutely Positively Pasifika Festival at Frank Kitts Park from 10am until 4.30pm.

* Te Papa will also begin its tenth anniversary celebrations - which will include an evening fireworks display.

As a result of these events taking place in such close proximity it is likely that there will be traffic congestion along the waterfront quays and Cable Street.

On Sunday, the ever-popular Vector Round the Bays Fun Run will take place. The event begins on Jervois Quay, opposite Frank Kitts Park, at 9.30am and then winds around Oriental Bay and Evans Bay, finishing at Kilbirnie Park at around 11.30am.

Due to extensive road closures, motorists should avoid the waterfront quays, Oriental Parade and Evans Bay Parade from 7am until the early afternoon.

Motorists heading to the Airport are advised to avoid the Mt Victoria Tunnel and travel through Newtown, Brooklyn or around the south coast. Travellers are urged to allow at least an hour's extra time to get to the Airport.

There is also likely to be increased traffic congestion around the waterfront and harbour-side roads later on Sunday afternoon with the majestic cruise-liner the Queen Victoria departing from Aotea Quay at 6pm.

Wellington City Council thanks Wellingtonians in advance for their co-operation on what promises to be fantastic weekend of events in the capital.

ENDS

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