Give it 100% for rugby Kiwi style
14 Sep 2009
New Zealand is giving the world a taste of Rugby World Cup Kiwi-style, with the launch of a campaign calling all Kiwis to ‘Give it 100%’ to ensure the success of the 2011 event.
The announcement formed part of New Zealand’s 09-09-09 celebrations, marking two years to go until the start of RWC 2011 and the opening game in Auckland.
As well as progress reports from regions that will host some of the 48 matches of the tournament, the government announced a hosting programme calling for New Zealanders to engage in the event and become a nation of four million hosts.
It was also revealed Tourism New Zealand’s giant rugby ball, which was a major success during the 2007 World Cup in France, will be sent to Tokyo for next month’s All Blacks - Wallabies test (31.10.09).
Four million hosts
RWC 2011 will be the biggest event ever staged in New Zealand, and a newly established New Zealand 2011 office is developing a hosting programme that will encourage all Kiwis to engage in the event.
NZ Rugby World Cup minister Murray McCully said thousands of volunteers would be recruited to help at airports and the 13 centres hosting games.
The International Rugby Board also wants a "significant number" to help inside the grounds.
New Zealand 2011 is also calling for people to host fans and teams as part of a plan to move from ‘a stadium of four million’ - the catchphrase used to win the RWC rights in 2005 - to ‘a nation of four million hosts’.
Prime Minister John Key suggested the number should be five million because New Zealand was calling on ex-pat Kiwis overseas to "give it 100%" and be part of this moment in the international spotlight.
He said New Zealand was counting on Kiwis overseas to generate enthusiasm and excitement around the world - "and to come home for the event themselves, bringing a few mates with them."
2011 New Zealand’s year
Both ministers said 2011 would be a milestone year for New Zealand.
The country would be in the international spotlight for six weeks during the tournament, with more than 60,000 visitors expected to come to New Zealand and billions more watching the event on television and online.
The New Zealand government recognised the scale of opportunity and was committed to making RWC 2011 a success.
It had invested in a joint venture company, Rugby New Zealand 2011, formed alongside the New Zealand Rugby Union, which had a programme of initiatives to encourage New Zealanders to be great hosts, showcase the best New Zealand had to offer to the world and have a great celebration along the way, the ministers said.
The ‘Give it 100%’ programme had been developed to get the silver fern recognised across the globe, and was built on Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Pure campaign used so successfully around the world, Mr McCully said.
Year to remember
New Zealand’s festival for the Rugby World Cup is set to make 2011 a year to remember.
Celebrations will run throughout 2011, and would include many events showcasing the best of New Zealand arts, culture and entertainment.
New Zealand 2011 Office will have a manager to coordinate events, and other organisations are already looking at scheduling special activities throughout the regions.
A festival calendar would bring together a range of iconic Kiwi events and new events to make 2011 a year-long celebration of New Zealand, the ministers said.
Mr McCully said RWC 2011 was an unprecedented opportunity for New Zealand.
"It will be the biggest event ever held in this country, and we plan to make the most of it.
"The Cup will inject over $500 million into the economy, with around half of that going into Auckland. New Zealand will be in the international spotlight like never before, and we will be ready," Mr McCully said.
More information:
Four million Kiwis prepare to roar
Giant rugby ball tackles Tokyo Tower
RWC 2011: host centres
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