Rally NZ forced to revise route after mudslide.

The organisers of the Propecia Rally New Zealand have been forced to make a change to this year's route, after a massive mudslide, estimated to cost in the region of $1 million to repair, closed one of the special stage roads.

Te Papatapu was to be special stage 13 of the event, until the heavy rains experienced throughout the month of June bought a hillside down across the road approximately halfway through the stage. After consultation with the Waikato District Council, the decision was made to include Maungatawhiri Rd twice instead of the now dead-end Te Papatapu Rd.

"This is without doubt the best option," explained Rally NZ clerk of the course, Willard Martin. "Rally New Zealand is world renowned for its roads and loved by drivers for smooth yet testing gravel surfaces. This decision ensures that this year will be no exception. But I have to admit it is the only time in many years of involvement in rallying that I can recall losing a stage due to the road being cut in half!"

Maungatawhiri Rd was last used in 2002, but will be run in reverse direction to its previous use. The roads used in other parts of the rally meanwhile will be familiar to rally enthusiasts and drivers alike, with Martin indicating that a number of 'crowd favoured' stages are to be included in this years' route.

"Many people will be excited to know that we will have two runs over Te Koraha - a 48km stage that includes a wide variety of roads, speeds and technical requirements. This stage will unquestionably test drivers, co-drivers and teams, pushing them to their limits," he added.

The Whaanga Coast stage, popular for its accessible viewing points and picturesque scenery, will provide a great finish to the event; the rally takes competitors and spectators to the Waitomo region on Friday November 17, Port Waikato and Te Akau on Saturday November 18 and Raglan on Sunday November 19.

With the route now finalised and approved by the FIA, Martin emphasised that Rally NZ is now focusing on the next stage in working with local residents, councils and other related parties to gain the best out of the event.

"While this is a major international sporting event with the eyes of the world upon Waikato we also realise it is a combined community effort. We have a great relationship with the local communities, and we will be working closely with them in the coming months," he concluded.