Media Release
For immediate release
Monday 27 April 2009

Rugby New Zealand 2011 assurance welcomed

Harry O’Rourke, Group Controller of Auckland Region Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, welcomes the statement made today by Rugby New Zealand 2011 Chief Executive, Martin Snedden, that business continuity planning is upmost in the minds of planners as they prepare for Rugby World Cup games under lights.

Mr Snedden said that when this issue was raised some 6 months ago one or two stadium owners said, ‘it will never happen’.

Saturday night’s power cut at North Harbour Stadium demonstrates that power cuts can and do happen without warning.

Mr Snedden’s assurance that stadiums will be required to ensure that they have a back up power supply that was not dependent on the national grid is a good way to ensure not only patron enjoyment but more importantly, their safety.

Mr O’Rouke says there is no difference between the house owner having a means to provide emergency lighting for family safety and businesses doing the same. A householder uses a torch, a stadium needs a generator.

Owners of entertainment venues are required to provide a safe environment for their patrons. Guaranteeing continuity of power supply contributes to the safety and enjoyment of patrons.

"Being prepared for a disaster is everyone's responsibility, and steps people take in advance really do make a difference in terms of being able to cope when a disaster strikes. This planning initiative by the Rugby New Zealand 2011 team is welcomed, "says Mr O’Rourke.

ENDS

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