used project funds to temporarily bridge the gap until the Rowing Association made full payment. Senior officials in the headquarters of the Ministry of Works alleged this was a misuse of funds. Despite overwhelming support from the local community, he took early retirement rather than face charges under the State Services Act. At the time Smith was voicing disagreement with the government's proposals to reduce the Ministry of Works' experienced construction workforce and to disestablish Twizel; all of which may have influenced the official displeasure. The principal access road to the lake was named Max Smith Drive by the local community in his honour while the South Island Rowing Association made him its first life member. The lake's facilities can accommodate 600 rowing boats and 2000 competitors. The rowing course has eight lanes. The regatta control building contains a first aid room, drug testing area, administration rooms, storage rooms and on the upper floor, facilities for judges and the timekeepers, as well as a commentary room. The lake typically hosts an average of 5 major rowing events a year. The New Zealand national rowing championships are held there every second year, alternating with the national secondary school rowing championships. (During these the Maadi Cup is contested.) The lake is also used for swimming, yachting, canoeing and windsurfing. In popular culture Lake Ruataniwha was a filming location for the 2009 zombie film Last of the Living. See also Lake Karapiro Maadi Cup References Lakes of Canterbury, New Zealand Rowing venues