Key Takeaways
- The Muscle Car Madness event at Rangiora’s A&P Showgrounds was marred by bad weather and destructive behavior from some attendees.
- The event’s founder, Craig Stare, expressed disappointment and frustration with the behavior of a handful of people who deliberately damaged the showgrounds.
- The police and event organizers are working together to identify those responsible for the damage and to prevent similar incidents in the future.
- A Givealittle page has been created to raise funds to repair the damage to the showgrounds turf, with a goal of $30,000.
- The event’s new owner, former All Black Brodie Retallick, has pledged to work with the community to ensure that the event is successful and respectful in the future.
Introduction to the Incident
The Muscle Car Madness event at Rangiora’s A&P Showgrounds was recently held, but the event was marred by bad weather and destructive behavior from some attendees. The showgrounds were left with significant damage, including mud and destruction of the turf, after some individuals deliberately drove their vehicles through the muddy conditions and spun their wheels. The event’s founder, Craig Stare, expressed disappointment and frustration with the behavior of a handful of people who ruined the event for everyone else.
Response from Authorities
The police were present at the event and were disappointed with the behavior of some attendees. Inspector Peter Cooper, Area Commander Canterbury Rural, stated that the behavior of some people camping at the site was "well below what is acceptable". The police seized and impounded 11 vehicles, completed enforcement action including four excess breath alcohol detections, and made one related arrest. Cooper also acknowledged that the challenging weather conditions created further pressure for organizers, but noted that there did not appear to be an adequate contingency or wet-weather plan in place.
Efforts to Prevent Future Incidents
Stare emphasized that it’s unfair to tar all campers with the same brush, as the event has been held for 35 years with only minor discrepancies. He noted that the event brings all the necessary facilities, including showers and toilets, and that the problem was largely due to the weather and a handful of irresponsible individuals. The event organizers and police are working together to identify those responsible for the damage and to prevent similar incidents in the future. Stare is also working with the new owner, Brodie Retallick, to ensure that those responsible are held accountable and do not attend future events.
Damage and Aftermath
The damage to the showgrounds was significant, with the turf being destroyed and mud covering large areas. A Givealittle page has been created to raise funds to repair the damage, with a goal of $30,000. The page has already raised almost $5,000, and Stare has pledged to present the funds to the showgrounds owners in good faith. The Waimakariri District Mayor, Dan Gordon, acknowledged the importance of the event to the local economy and expressed his disappointment with the behavior of a few individuals who ruined the event for everyone else.
Future Plans and Preparations
The event’s new owner, Brodie Retallick, has pledged to work with the community to ensure that the event is successful and respectful in the future. Retallick has already reached out to the A&P Association and the mayor to offer his support and assistance. The Waimakariri District Council and police will review the event, a process that occurs with every major event, to identify areas for improvement and to ensure that lessons are learned. Gordon stated that the council will work with the new owners to ensure that the event is successful and respectful in the future, and that those responsible for the damage are held accountable.
