4 September 2008

MEDIA RELEASE (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

RUGBY WORLD CUP – a shot in the arm for Auckland region

Waitakere Mayor Bob Harvey welcomes today’s decision to award the bronze medal match to the Auckland region.

“Given that the semis and final will be held at Eden Park, it was a logical move in term of running a smooth and seamless tournament,” he says.

“The Rugby World Cup will give a huge economic boost to the region, and put New Zealand on the world stage, just as the Commonwealth Games did in 1990.”

Mayor Harvey was part of the organising committee for the Games and says their legacy can still be seen today. “Facilities like the Aquatic Centre in Henderson (Waitakere City) are amongst the best in the country, and the infrastructure that will be in place for the rugby world cup will service this region for decades to come.”

“This is about much, much, more than a few games of rugby. Rugby is simply a vehicle to deliver world class infrastructure and international tourism exposure.”

The Trusts Stadium in Waitakere formed part of the successful Auckland Region bid. “It is the premier complex of its kind in the country and any team that chooses to base itself there will definitely give itself a competitive advantage,” Mayor Harvey says.

ENDS

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