As of this Saturday (December 13) New Zealand rugby fans have only another 1000 days to wait until Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off and Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) Ltd CEO Martin Snedden has taken the opportunity to issue a progress report on the tournament planning and preparations (see attached “1000 Days to Go Snapshot”)
“Much of the work that has gone into our planning so far has been under most people’s radar so we’re really pleased that there already appears to be widespread awareness and support of our key strategic ambitions of creating ‘a stadium of four million’ and ‘a Rugby World Cup festival’,” said Mr Snedden.
“With the Tournament Pool Draw now in place, we are now putting in place the key elements of the Tournament including the match schedule, venues and the ticketing programme, which will further capture the public’s interest. New Zealanders can expect to hear more about these activities during 2009,” he said.
The report details some of the milestones achieved to date including:
· The establishment of RNZ 2011 and some of the processes which will underpin the staging of the Tournament including the Match and Team Allocation (MTA) process, and the engagement with the Tournament partners and key stakeholders necessary to host a successful event.
· The establishment of 22 regional coordination groups typically consisting of local government, regional tourism, provincial rugby unions, potential match venue owners and other community representatives. RNZ 2011 channels its communications through these groups and they are likely to evolve into RNZ 2011’s regional core tournament and festival delivery agents.
· The establishment of an Official Accommodation Bank (OAB), managed by Williment Travel Group, designed to collectively manage New Zealand’s accommodation resources to ensure that the needs of the tournament (i.e. teams, officials, organisers), together with the sponsors, media and fans travelling on official tour packages are satisfied.
· The redevelopment/upgrade of three major playing grounds – Auckland’s Eden Park, Napier’s McLean Park and Christchurch’s Stadium Christchurch – is underway and on-schedule with further venue development possible subject to the allocation of pool matches.
· Shared learning opportunities and evaluation by RNZ 2011 of organisations and events with relevant experience such as RWC 2007, the Sydney 2000 Olympics and Paralympics, FIFA Football World Cup 2006, the Melbourne Commonwealth Games 2006, ICC Cricket World Cup 2007, Euro 2008 and World Youth Day 2008.
The report also identifies some of the remaining challenges including:
· Managing the risk surrounding the ability of New Zealand’s accommodation and transport infrastructure to cope with the visitor influx, particularly during the final two weeks of the tournament.
· Finding the right balance nationwide when determining allocation of matches and determining match ticket prices and accessibility.
· Managing the actual and potential effects of the global economic crisis on the event.
“We’re doing an awful lot of work to create an outstanding festival that creates long-lasting benefits for rugby and for New Zealand as well as great memories for everyone involved.
“There’s plenty more to do but I’m confident we are on track to deliver an inspiring tournament with a uniquely New Zealand feel.”
1000 Days To Go Snapshot
RNZ 2011 has produced a report of progress to date as well as upcoming challenges. This is attached separately. It also includes a summary of RNZ’s strategic plan as well as well as the New Zealand Government’s strategic framework.
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