A rāhui on Waitematā Harbour has postponed the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series finale from November to January. Photo: Red Bull
A world renowned cliff diving event in Auckland has been postponed due to a rāhui on the Waitematā Harbour.
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Final that was set to hit Wynyard Quarter on 19 November, however following a sinkhole that developed in Parnell forced discharge into the harbour, it will now occur on 28 January.
Red Bull New Zealand general manager James MacVicar said 30,000 spectators are expected across the two-day event.
"It involves 24 of the world's best divers diving from heights of up to 27m into the Waitematā Harbour below. We fully respect the rāhui and its purpose which is to protect our waterways, and our priority is to give the public and the competitors the best experience they can have without any risks."
Dunedin-born Red Bull Cliff Diving judge Simon Latimer said he is eager to see the event finally reach New Zealand.
"Although the event isn't happening as soon as we had hoped, I'm stoked for seeing it come to life in January, it will be a fantastic way to kickstart the year and it's the perfect time of year for the international athletes to experience the best of Aotearoa."
Red Bull Cliff Diving Auckland will take place across two days in Wynyard Quarter starting on 27 January 2024 with the finale on 28 January.