New Zealand on target for RWC 2011
10 Sep 2010
Organisers of Rugby World Cup 2011 have passed the one-year-to go goal by ticking a number of boxes proving they’re on target to stage New Zealand’s largest-ever event.
Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RWC 2011) says preparations are well on track and foundations in place for "an excellent tournament New Zealand can be proud of".
The one-year-to-go (OYTG) date was celebrated throughout the country with the national compilation of regional messages as well as the launch of the REAL New Zealand Festival and the release of a special eMagazine - Countdown to RWC 2011.
With strong focus on Canterbury in the aftermath of the recent earthquake, the tournament organisers expressed support for the region and gave assurance that with one-year-to-go, there was nothing to suggest the disaster would have any affect on RWC 2011.
Canterbury earthquake
Stadium Christchurch, venue for seven RWC 2011 matches, has been given the all clear by structural engineers and the playing surface is also unaffected.
"We acknowledge this is a tough time for Canterbury, one of the key members of our team.
"We are monitoring potential impacts on our planning for RWC 2011, but at this stage there is nothing to suggest the region will not be able to play its part in hosting this event," said RNZ 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden.
He said a special allocation of tickets for Christchurch matches would be made available at a later date.
"Cantabrians have shown great spirit in coping with this disaster - it is that spirit which gives us confidence that they will bounce back and put on a fantastic tournament next year."
Snedden said it was important to remember that there was still a year before teams were due to arrive in Christchurch for RWC 2011.
"Natural disasters are among the risks we plan for. We have contingencies in place to deal with disruptions of this nature. We continue to assess these risks, carry out exercises and adjust our planning accordingly. We will be assessing this situation to see what lessons can be learnt in terms of our preparations for RWC 2011."
Progress to date
Snedden says much progress has been made at every level throughout New Zealand over the past year in terms of delivering RWC 2011.
"Eden Park will be open for business on October 10 and that is a great achievement. All other major stadia redevelopments will be finished this year and the new Otago Stadium is on track for completion next year."
He said September 10 marked another milestone with applications opening for Phase 2 of ticketing - individual match tickets.
"This is the last chance to enter the ballot for semi-final and final tickets so we urge fans to take advantage of this four week period to apply."
Phase 1 sales were in line with expectations with 503,000 tickets sold, including sales to 20,000 fans living overseas.
Snedden said RNZ 2011 had promised a ‘stadium of four million New Zealanders’ would help deliver the tournament and make it a uniquely New Zealand flavoured rugby world cup.
He said it was hoped that the one-year-to-go celebrations would encourage more Kiwis to think about how they could get involved and make the tournament one that would "linger long in all our memories".
Registrations for volunteers close on 24 September.
RWC 2011 accommodation
A dedicated online facility to help travellers find independent information on accommodation and assist in planning their trip has been set up by Tourism New Zealand on newzealand.com.
Due to international booking calendar technology, many hotels are unable to show available accommodation and transparent pricing until at least one year in advance of travel.
The newzealand.com/rugbyaccommodation site will help travellers find accommodation websites and book more easily.
The range of options will be updated as calendars open up and accommodation information is accessed.
RNZ 2011 says the message they want to give overseas fans is "you will find a bed, you will be looked after and you will be charged a fair price, so buy your tickets with confidence".
Web users can also access information about other accommodation options which aren’t bookable straight from the web. Although the web page was initiated to help independent visitors book accommodation now, it is thought many will wait until the end of the phase 2 ballot to ensure they have secured tickets.
The results of the ballot are expected in early November.
REAL New Zealand festival
The festival programme will have a strong focus on local food, matched with wines from some of New Zealand’s key wine-producing regions, including Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough and Otago.
For the first time in history, New Zealand will have two Bluff oyster seasons offering visitors a chance to sample some of the world’s best oysters at the Savour Bluff Oyster Festival. And, visitors staying in the Bay of Islands will be able to try local Kororareka oysters during the Russell Oyster Festival, matched with NZ beers and live entertainment.
More information
Counting down to Rugby World Cup 2011
Real New Zealand Festival launch
Individual RWC 2011 tickets on sale
Quick guide to Rugby World Cup
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