Whanganui District Council underwrites Masters Games in case of pandemic restrictions 10 Dec, 2020 04:00 PM 3 minutes to read Duathlon competitors in the Downer New Zealand Masters Games held in Whanganui last year. Photo / Bevan Conley Duathlon competitors in the Downer New Zealand Masters Games held in Whanganui last year. Photo / Bevan Conley Whanganui Chronicle Whanganui District Council has agreed to underwrite the Whanganui (NZ) Masters Games Trust to the tune of $500,000 if next year's event has to be cancelled because of Covid-19. Games trustees told the council's Tuesday meeting the event was in a strong financial position and they only wanted the council to provide some assurance if pandemic restrictions caused a last-minute cancellation.