Cambridge streets were packed with supporters and students from the 150 schools competing at Lake Karāpiro in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Rowing Championships, lined up with their banners in Wilson Street.
Cambridge High School rowers before the parade got underway. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
The anticipation was building when the fire alarm went off beside the competitors just seconds before the 12.30pm start.
Most thought it was part of the parade and prepared to set off – but welcome to Cambridge where the fire station is in the centre of town and everyone usually stops for the volunteer firefighters.
So, when bystanders saw Simon Barton racing down Wilson Street in his Red Band gumboots, shorts and T-shirt, they thought nothing of it until minutes later he was behind the wheel of a fire engine bound for what turned out to be a false alarm at Ingham Enterprises in Leamington.
Volunteer fire fighter Simon Barton races down Wilson Street in front of supporters towards the Fire Station just as the parade was to get underway.
Fire chief Dennis Hunt said it was the first time he could recall the siren going off when the streets were cordoned off for a parade.
Competitors, led by Cambridge High and St Peter’s School, marched down Victoria Street behind a police car as thousands packed the sidewalks with mobile phones and shouting support.
They gathered in Victoria Square, where Waipā mayor Susan O’Regan gave the welcoming speech at a regatta which holds special significance for her, her first as a rowing mum. Daughter Lily is in a novice Waikato Diocesan crew.
“You’ve trained through early mornings, bracing the cold waters through countless hours, you’ve pushed through, wrestled with blisters and exhaustion. Yes, you’ve faced challenges, but you overcame them driven by the goal of standing here today at Maadi, ready to be your best,” said O’Regan.
Waipa mayor Susan O’Regan welcomes competitors and their families to Cambridge and Lake Karāpiro.
Maadi ambassador and gold medal winner Michael Brake spoke of the sacrifices made and reminded competitors to always remember the people that supported them to get to Maadi and the coaches who pushed them when they needed it.
While the parade was on, 90 volunteers were getting things ready out at Lake Karāpiro.
Volunteers at Lake Karāpiro include, from left Geoff Taggart of Pleasant Point near Timaru, Jack Quirk, Glenda Sullivan, Greg Liddy, Kim Harrison, Paula Storey and Steve Brine.
Keeping it in the family, three generations help out in the green starting shed, from left Lauren Gibb, Diane Davidson and Michelle Gibb.
Chief umpire Steve Brine and safety officer Greg Liddy were about to deliver the safety briefing when The News popped in while Glenda Sullivan and Paula Storey were preparing packages for the prize winners.
Down at the finish line jetty, Diane Davidson was handing out numbers for the rowing boats and ticking off competitors as they got out and entered the water for training.
An economic impact study from Maadi in 2021 estimated the value to the area at more than $13 million. This year’s regatta finishes on Saturday at Lake Karāpiro.
Waipa mayor Susan O’Regan judges the banners. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Rowers from Tauranga Boys’ College lay down the challenge with a haka on Victoria Square.
A portion of the large crowd of rowing competitors on Victoria Square.
Veteran Cambridge photographer Michael Jeans captures another Maadi Regatta. He has lost count how many he has photographed.
A portion of the large crowd of rowing competitors on Victoria Square.
A portion of the large crowd of rowing competitors on Victoria Square.
Sacred Heart Girls College, Hamilton walk into the welcome at Victoria Square.
Fortunately there was no cricket on during the formal welcome on Victoria Square but there were still plenty of students who walked on the wicket.
St Peter’s School, Cambridge walk onto Victoria Square for the welcome.
Police steer the parade around the Town Hall roundabout with Cambridge High School leading the way.
Supporters outside the Cambridge News office.
It was hot work under the costumes for those who volunteered to wear them during the parade held in hot and humid conditions.
Bagpipes added to the parade’s flavour
Sacred Heart Girls College rowers share the love during the parade, from left Tia Fluke, Bobbie Wilson, Lea Perez and Alyssa Brandsma.
Lucy Earl, left, and Devon Skevington of Dunedin’s Columba College with the winning banner. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Waipa mayor Susan O’Regan judges the banners. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Waipa mayor Susan O’Regan joins Cambridge High School at the start of the parade. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
Cambridge High School lead the way at the head of the parade through the streets.
Cambridge High School lead the way at the head of the parade through the streets. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
