Tairāwhiti roars as D1NZ brings championship drifting to Gisborne

The Tairāwhiti region made its mark on New Zealand motorsport history last weekend as D1NZ's National Drifting Championship rolled into H BlackBee Drift Park on Dunstan Road, Matawhero — and left with a crowd already calling for a return.

The weekend began on Friday morning with a mauri stone blessing ceremony at the venue, setting the tone for an event that was as much about community as competition. The ceremony reflected the deep connection between the event and its Tairāwhiti home, made possible in part through the support of Trust Tairāwhiti, whose backing helped bring the round to life.

Round 4 of the 2025/26 championship season saw Connor Halligan claim victory in the Pro Championship, with Blake Myles taking out Pro Sport honours.

But it was the atmosphere — and one very game mayor — that stole the headlines. Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz climbed aboard for a hot lap with D1NZ Pro driver Shaun Potroz behind the wheel. "I didn't think I would enjoy it as much because I'm quite a scaredy cat," she said afterward. "It was spectacular — he's absolutely in control. I felt it."

Stoltz was unequivocal about what the event meant for the region. "I cannot tell you how much we need this. We have been through tough economic times. People coming here, staying in our motels, visiting our restaurants — 10 out of 10. Thank you."

Social media lit up with calls for the event to return next year, with fans from as far as Whangarei noting their FOMO.

The title-deciding final round of the season takes place in five weeks — at Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga, on 24–25 April.