Cambridge businesses set for Maadi

As busloads of student rowers, coaches and parents pile into Cambridge for the Maadi regatta, many local businesses expect little in the way of financial spinoff.

Karapiro will be flooded with around 2000 students from 121 schools across the country competing in the national secondary schools regatta next week.

Michael McCraw, Cambridge BP till worker, said the service station gets a little busier during Maadi Cup week but does nothing different to prepare for the event.

“Staff carry on as they normally do,” McCraw said.

Rhonda James from Duke Street Pharmacy said they get slightly busier than usual with students coming in for first aid and physio.

She believes Cambridge gets a lot of the benefits. “It’s great for our town,” she said.

The Red Cherry Cafe, outside Cambridge, expects little extra business during the week.

Owner Jody Joblin said the regatta had not impacted on them in the past.

Raewyn Jones, CEO of Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, said it is good for the town’s economy.

She said businesses get second hand benefits of the event. “It’s a matter of the big picture.”

The commerce runs an “adopt a school” programme to welcome the visitors from Maadi and get the town into the Maadi spirit.

The regatta will start with a parade on Sunday, March 17, and racing is from March 18-23.