Takapuna's CBD was a hive of activity on Saturday (21 Feb) when North Shore City hosted the Contact Energy NZ Triathlon series.
Broadcast live on TVNZ, and attracting Olympic athletes in both the men's and women's elite races, thousands of onlookers converged on The Strand, Takapuna Beach and Hurstmere Road to watch the action unfold.
North Shore City's Manager of Events, City Promotions and Tourism, Jennah Wootten, said the Council provided free street trading licenses for local businesses allowing market stalls to be set up outside their shops. This added to the overall atmosphere of the day.
"The Council also provided free first hour parking in metered areas as well as street entertainers such stilt walkers, jugglers and magic performers - a jazz band was also on site to enhance the experience for shoppers and event spectators alike," said Ms Wootten.
"Families in Parks and the NZ Body Art Team provided face painting for the kids, so there was something for everyone," she said.
Ms Wootten said the triathlon was just another notch in a series of successful sporting events held on the shore.
"North Shore City supports a wide range of sporting events and it's fantastic to see so many people enjoying the variety on offer," she said.
"This past weekend alone saw thousands gather to not only watch the triathlon, but also the ever popular Trans-Tasman clash between the Vodafone Warriors and The Cowboys at North Harbour Stadium, the Kia Motors Devonport, Food, Wine and Music Festival and Movies by Moonlight in Rosedale Park, Albany".
"It all happening on the shore," she said.
