RWC Bay of Plenty Police operation well underway
One week out from the Rugby World Cup kick-off and the Bay of Plenty Police operation to support the major event is well
underway.
The District Operations Manager, Inspector Scott Fraser, says planning for the Bay of Plenty operation has been underway
for more than two years.
"While Rotorua is the only part of the District that is hosting Rugby World Cup games, the rest of the District is
actively involved in a wide range of Rugby World Cup activities, including hosting teams, festival activities and
rugby-related events.
"Rugby World Cup will be a busy time for Police, but we experience a similar level of activity during Summer Policing in
the Bay of Plenty, and we have a comprehensive operation in place to ensure that residents and visitors are able to
enjoy RWC safely.
"We are approaching RWC in the same way that we would plan for any major event – albeit on a bigger scale."
Inspector Fraser says the Bay of Plenty Police operation is about making sure residents and visitors feel safe at RWC
events, regardless of whether they are in their homes, at games or events, or on the roads during the 2011 RWC.
"We want people to enjoy our District and RWC safely and for the wider Bay of Plenty region to be seen in a positive
light on the world stage which will have positive flow-on effects for local communities and economies. Rugby World Cup
is an exciting event for everyone, including Police. We are looking forward to making our contribution to its success."
Inspector Fraser says Police will be clearly visible across the Bay of Plenty, particularly around the different
festival events and on the roads.
"Road policing is a significant part of this operation as we expect large numbers of people to move through the Bay of
Plenty District during RWC.
"We will be very visible on the roads. Those travelling over the speed limit can expect to be stopped and held
accountable, and everyone stopped should expect to be breath-tested.
"We would also ask visitors to New Zealand to familiarise themselves with the local road rules, particularly around our
drink driving rules and importantly, the fact that we drive on the left hand side of the road."
Inspector Fraser says reducing alcohol related harm will also be a key focus for Police.
“Nearly every town and city in New Zealand have liquor bans in place in popular areas, and our District is no different.
These are specifically designed so that everyone, including visitors, locals, young people, families and children can
enjoy the best parts of the Bay.
“If you’re visiting our region, make sure you know where the liquor bans are – ‘being from out of town’ is no excuse.
"We will also be visiting licensed premises and liquor wholesalers during this period to ensure they are abiding with
the Sale of Liquor Act."
Inspector Fraser says Police have been working closely with a large number of partners in the build-up to RWC, including
local councils, local business communities, other emergency services and many others.
He says Bay of Plenty Police have also had a focus on trying to connect with international visitors before they get to
New Zealand for RWC via social media, including Facebook (www.facebook.com/boppolice) and Twitter
(www.twitter.com/boppolice).
The Bay of Plenty Police District covers the Western Bay of Plenty (including Tauranga and Mt Maunganui), Eastern Bay of
Plenty (including Whakatane and Opotiki), Rotorua and Taupo (including Tokoroa and Turangi).
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