<>

Media release

18 July 2008

Rugby World Cup 2011: Auckland bids for two quarter-finals and bronze final

The Auckland region has come together to put forward a compelling case to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final in the world’s third largest sporting event - Rugby World Cup 2011.

In a show of regional unity, key Auckland organisations have jointly proposed Eden Park to host two quarter-finals and either Eden Park or North Harbour Stadium to host the bronze final (third and fourth play-off).

RWC 2011 tournament organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) requested comprehensive proposals from regions wishing to host these matches by 5pm yesterday in what is a nationally competitive process.

Auckland will be the hub of Rugby World Cup 2011, with the semifinals and final already confirmed for Eden Park.

Regional spokesperson for Auckland’s proposal Michael Barnett says hosting two quarter-finals and the bronze final will provide further opportunities to showcase Auckland to the world and maximise the return for ratepayers.

“These remaining knock-out matches are another chance to leave visitors with a lasting impression that Auckland is a world-class city that is building a reputation as a desirable major events destination.”

Auckland’s proposal to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final is a collaborative effort by organisations across the region including all Auckland councils, Tourism Auckland, AucklandPlus, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, major stadia and the three Auckland-based rugby unions. A Regional Steering Group is leading Auckland’s preparations for the tournament and the Regional Sustainable Development Forum (RSDF) is the political body overseeing the work

“The Auckland region is working together to ensure Rugby World Cup 2011 is a success for Auckland, for our businesses, our residents, our visitors and for our reputation,” says Barnett – Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive, RSDF member and Chair of AucklandPlus.

Auckland’s proposal highlights the region’s strengths, including:

World-class venues (featuring the country’s biggest stadium – Eden Park with a 60,000 capacity for RWC 2011)
A large and diverse population base of 1.4 million
The country’s largest accommodation sector (featuring mainly high quality accommodation)
Upgraded transport infrastructure

“Auckland’s success is New Zealand’s success and these strengths have Auckland ideally placed to help deliver on the national vision of a ‘unique and stunning festival with enduring impacts for New Zealand’,” Barnett says.

He says staging more matches in Auckland, with Eden Park’s 60,000 RWC capacity, will allow more Aucklanders and visitors to experience a live match.

The region’s proposal also outlines initiatives such as sustainability and volunteer programmes, and festival-type activities including live sites.

“We want to make this an event that Aucklanders can be proud of, be involved in and benefit from,” says Barnett.

“This tournament has the potential to generate $315 million* of additional expenditure in the Auckland region, and the long-term benefits of successfully showcasing Auckland to the world will be much, much greater,”

RWC will also be a catalyst for major infrastructure improvements across the region.

“We are investing in infrastructure and amenities so our proposal to host these matches is about maximising the return on this investment for ratepayers while contributing to New Zealand’s success in hosting the tournament.”

Auckland expects to find out in September whether its proposal to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final is successful.

Ends

© Scoop Media