NZ | RUGBY WORLD CUP 2011 [Archive]

Mr_kiwi_fruit

January 21st, 2010, 03:18 AM

Stadium Christchurch opens after Cup facelift
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/themes/0/images/nzheraldlogo.gif
11:00 AM Thursday Jan 21, 2010

http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/Christchurch-Stadium_460x230.jpg

AMI Stadium this morning celebrated the completion of its $60 million redevelopment, making it New Zealand's second largest sporting venue. During the Rugby World Cup, the venue will be known by the name "Stadium Christchurch". A dawn blessing to mark the official re-opening of the new-look stadium was attended by Prime Minister John Key and other dignitaries. The new 13,000 seat Deans Stand is the centrepiece of the redevelopment which includes a number of other improvements including an internal concourse linking all sections of the stadium. The refurbished stadium will host five pool matches and two quarter-final matches for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. The redevelopment has significantly increased the stadium's permanent capacity to 38,628, bringing it up to international standard. Temporary seating will boost the capacity to nearly 45,000 for RWC 2011. Chief Executive of Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ 2011), Martin Snedden said AMI Stadium is definitely "right up there" as a venue for Rugby World Cup 2011.

"These redevelopments ensure the stadium will be a showcase venue for Rugby World Cup 2011. The venue has a long history of hosting top-quality events, but the upgrades will leave a lasting legacy for New Zealand sport and the people of Canterbury to enjoy for years to come." There will be a free open day for the public of Canterbury this Saturday from 10am to 4pm. The original stadium dates back to 1880 when the Canterbury Cricket and Athletics Sports Company purchased ten acres from the estate of Benjamin Lancaster of Bournemouth, England. The sports ground adopted the name Lancaster Park and was officially opened in 1881. In its early years, Lancaster Park hosted a variety of sporting events including trotting, cycling, swimming, tennis and even hot air ballooning. Other notable events include visits by Pope John Paul II (1986) and Queen Elizabeth (1963). It was renamed Jade Stadium in 1998. In 2007, it was renamed AMI Stadium after the insurance company acquired the naming rights.

Mr_kiwi_fruit

January 21st, 2010, 03:31 AM

Prince William tours Eden Park
Auckland, Sunday 17 January 2010

http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/cms/news/news-items-folder/resolveuid/95fea27bfb4bb1dc60167f00f6430ece

Prince William was given a behind the scenes tour of the stadium, which is currently being redeveloped for Rugby World Cup 2011. Eden Park will host two semi-finals and the final of the tournament, as well as five pool matches and the bronze final. The redevelopment is boosting its capacity to 60,000. The Prince was hosted by Prime Minister John Key, John Waller, chairman of the Eden Park Redevelopment Board and Auckland Mayor John Banks, as well as Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) Chairman Jock Hobbs and CEO Martin Snedden. The Prince was given an update on plans for Rugby World Cup and the new look stadium and was presented with his own RWC 2011 jersey. Several All Blacks, including Richie McCaw, Ali Williams and Dan Carter, joined Prince William on his tour of the park. The Prince also joined in a few training drills with a group from the Pakuranga Rugby Club Under-10s.

IHaveNoLegs

January 21st, 2010, 07:50 AM

http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/Christchurch-Stadium_460x230.jpg

I'm amazed that the same shitty render is being used rather than taking a photo of it since it is completed

piles

February 1st, 2010, 11:58 PM

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10623567

Minister confident Auckland will cope with RWC crowds

Transport Minister Steven Joyce is confident Auckland will be ready to host the Rugby World Cup next year, despite a report which shows the city's transport network won't cope with the influx of thousands of visitors.

The draft strategy, prepared last July by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and released to the Dominion Post under the Official Information Act, showed planners were worried.

An extra 60,000 people are expected in the city for the event, placing more than four times the demand on public transport than Auckland had seen before.

"During presentations and meetings with decision-makers an attitude of `this is a small increase in business as usual' has been encountered," the report said.

"The levels of patron movement and operational standard (needed for the RWC) are in reality significantly above what is currently delivered." Nearly 2km of roadside parking had to be found around Eden Park for 130 buses and the entire fleet of 38 Auckland trains would be needed on match days.

Mr Joyce said last night the report showed there was "considerable work to do", but good progress had been made since the report was written.

Auckland Mayor John Banks said $58 million was being spent on the Eden Park precinct and thousands were expected to walk from the central city well ahead of game kick-offs

Mr_kiwi_fruit

February 4th, 2010, 11:14 PM

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1265240364/259/3293259.jpg

More than 560 workers are on site six days a week in order to ensure the park is fully operational before the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That number is expected to rise to more than 600 workers in the coming weeks. They’re installing wiring, plumbing, stoves, toilet cubicles and many other essentials in the new south stand and adding a second tier to the east stand, which replaces the terraces. Construction has also begun on the western concourse, connecting the ASB and south stands. It means patrons will be able to access Eden Park from a variety of entrances. Some of the finer details around the wider complex are starting to take shape, such as the building of planter boxes for trees that line a new road leading into the stadium. It is capable of carrying coaches under the south stand and on to the field itself. Eden Park Trust Board chairman John Waller says he’s pleased with how the redevelopment is progressing. "Every week that goes past, it gets closer to the date we start testing for the world cup." After a break of several months, sport returns to Eden Park next month with two Black Caps one-day cricket matches and a Blues Super 14 rugby game.

KLK

February 8th, 2010, 12:52 PM

I've been looking at various shots in the Queens Wharf thread posted by Mr Kiwifruit and others, and in almost all those shots where the wharf to the east (Captain Cook?) is in the foreground/background, its highly underutilised for storing cars. Here is an example of MR KF's:

http://www.equinoxgroup.co.nz/images/photos/opportunities.jpg

It got me thinking, how hard can it be to "borrow" the wharf for 2mths during RWC2011?

Not an easy task probably, knowing the ports. But if we could, what a great place to set up a temporary rugby field - posts and all.

It could be laid/rolled grass or astroturf. On some days you could have structured events - exhibition games (no conversions or kicking for "touch"), club or company touch rugby tournaments, you could even divide the field up and have the clubs/schools have junior games on them.

On other days it could be left open for people to kick balls (even round ones), play small games of touch or just lie around.

Seems a great image for the centre of the rugby world in 2011. A rugby pitch with posts stretching out into a beautiful harbour. I reckon I know someone who might pay for it as well :)

http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=d2f29965d601261bacdfced548757b&rtyp=lt&ctyp=other&ts=1260011457000

Anybody know someone at Heineken marketing I can speak to? Ha.

KLK

February 12th, 2010, 05:03 AM

Capital prepares Rugby World Cup party
By KERRY WILLIAMSON - The Dominion Post
Last updated 05:00 12/02/2010

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1265915441/575/3319575.jpg

GAME ON: Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast with drawings of the World Cup base to be centred around the new wharewaka being built on the waterfront.

Rugby World Cup village on Wellington's waterfront – centred around a yet-to-be-built wharewaka – will become the focus of celebrations at next year's tournament.

More than 1200 partygoers will be able to pack into the building and a marquee next door, with the city council set to rent the wharewaka, or canoe house, its staff and its facilities for the event.

It will be the focus of Rugby World Cup celebrations, costing ratepayers about $150,000 – considerably less than a $100 million plan to build a party zone in Auckland.

The proposal has already gained interim approval from cup organisers. Work began a month ago on the wharewaka, which is due to be completed by mid-January.

The tournament, in September and October next year, is expected by the council to be worth at least $45 million for Wellington, attracting at least 50,000 visitors.

"[The wharewaka] will be the centre in Wellington for the Rugby World Cup," Mayor Kerry Prendergast said.

"It will be the fan base, the fan hub. There won't be anybody here as part of the Rugby World Cup who won't go and have a look at this unique and special centre for rugby. It's exciting and it's visionary."

The council will lease the $11m building – being built beside Frank Kitts Lagoon – from Wharewaka o Poneke Charitable Trust. The wharewaka is funded by the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust, Wellington Tenths Trust, Palmerston North Maori Reserve Trust and the council, which has contributed $800,000. The Government has committed $7m.

When complete, the 1800-square-metre building will house two ceremonial waka, exhibition and function areas, a cafe and offices. During the Rugby World Cup, it will feature televisions showing games.

Fans will be encouraged to gather at the village, with ushers escorting ticket holders to Westpac Stadium, to be renamed Wellington Regional Stadium for the tournament. It will be complemented by a giant television screen in Civic Square and a "fan zone" in Courtenay Place.

Before and after games, the wharewaka will host entertainment, cultural displays, official World Cup functions, and powhiri for visiting teams.

Sir Ngatata Love, chairman of Wharewaka o Poneke Charitable Trust, said the wharewaka would be able to hold about 700 people, with another 500 inside the marquee.

"It's a big building, an exciting building. Anything to do with the Rugby World Cup, this is where you will go," he said.

Ad Feedback The council will consider the plan next week. Funding will have to be included in the draft annual plan.

The announcement is in stark contrast to Auckland, which continues to debate how it should develop its own party centre.

The Government issued images yesterday of four leading designs for Auckland's Queens Wharf, but a timeline for construction is far from confirmed. Eight designs were rejected last year by World Cup Minister Murray McCully, mayor John Banks and regional council chairman Mike Lee for lacking the necessary "wow factor".

"The message from us is that we're ready," Ms Prendergast said.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said Wellington's rugby village would provide a "fantastic focal point for fans to share in the excitement of the tournament".

Wellington Police Area Commander Pete Cowan said a central gathering point for fans would make policing easier. "It becomes a heart, it becomes a pulse, and that's good for the city and it's good for policing because we can centralise our resources. The location is ideal for us."

The village concept will be a boon for two bars near the wharewaka.

Jason Pearce, manager of St Johns Heineken Hotel, said it was likely to extend his bar's peak season by several months.

Kevin McAree, manager of Mac's Brewery Bar, said the site was a "natural spot" for the rugby village. "And obviously it will be good for us to sell a beer or two."

piles

February 14th, 2010, 01:36 AM

From the NZ Herald

Stadium's ticketing debacle a 'wake-up call'

Furious rugby fans questioned New Zealand's readiness to host the Rugby World Cup next year after "disgusting" scenes at the opening match of the Super 14 season saw some spectators locked out of the game.

An investigation has begun after thousands of supporters missed the start of the Blues versus Hurricanes game at North Harbour Stadium on Friday due to a ticketing "debacle".

Stadium officials were caught out when 6000 people turned up to buy or pick up tickets, causing the crowd to swell to a 23,000-sellout.

Frustrated fans faced long delays for tickets, while others tried to scale the perimeter fence after being told they had joined the wrong queue.

Prime Minister John Key expressed concern and said any repeat during next year's tournament would be unacceptable.

"We are enormously focused on getting the Rugby World Cup absolutely right and wouldn't want anything like this happening again," he said.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully labelled the incident a "wake-up call" and said a full investigation would be carried out by stadium officials and the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Aucklander Marcel van Dijck was left seething after he wasn't allowed in to meet a friend visiting from the United States.

He wrote on Twitter: "Can't even go to the same area as my USA guests, embarrassed to be a Kiwi today. Absolutely disgusting organisation, shambles.

"NZRU hold your head in shame. What a disorganised load of rubbish. A joke. North Harbour Stadium u r a mess. Rugby is the loser. Good luck with the World Cup."

Van Dijck ended up leaving at halftime with his 9-year-old son.

He added: "The facilities were a joke."

North Harbour Stadium chief executive Brendan O'Connor apologised to fans.

He said: "We got slammed by walk-ups late in the piece. I apologise to people that did experience frustration."

Fans also blasted stadium officials for understaffing at food and drink stalls. John Fitch, from Henderson, said he missed a quarter of the game while queuing to buy a beer.

He said: "It was bloody awful. I have gone to rugby games all over the world and never experienced service as bad as that. People were saying 'it's only 12 months out from a World Cup'. It was shocking."

Graham Potter, chairman of the Auckland Rugby Supporters Club, said thousands of people trickled into the ground throughout the first half.

The $41m stadium, which has been beset by problems since it was opened in 1997, is due to host three pool matches next year.

Cup heavyweights France - Richie McCaw's All Blacks' main rivals in Pool A - will play an Asian qualifier there. World champions South Africa have two matches at the stadium, including a showdown with Samoa.

The stadium missed out to Eden Park to host the final.

The ground will increase capacity to 30,000 for the tournament, placing even more strain on public transport and infrastructure.

McCully, whose East Coast Bays electorate borders the ground, said he was worried about the effect of the ticketing furore on New Zealand's reputation.

"This isn't the sort of thing that will help our ability to attract visitors here and sell packages to games.

"It's not the sort of advertisement we were looking for and I am sure that it's a wake-up call for people running major sporting events in New Zealand."

McCully, an avid North Harbour rugby fan, added: "New Zealanders would expect us to do better.

"I do expect us to get these things right. I am sure that the post-mortem will be thorough and lessons will be learned.

"North Harbour will be on display this year and we need to eliminate mistakes."

The minister said he would be speaking to stadium boss O'Connor to make sure there was no repeat.

"I know that those involved are going to take this very seriously. I think it's correct that with the capacity being lifted for the World Cup we need to make sure that every detail is nailed down."

The cup's organising body said they would be monitoring developments closely.

Nigel Cass, the chief of tournament services for Rugby World Cup 2011, said 5000 volunteers would be deployed to ensure rugby fans were looked after at matches.

He said: "One of our top priorities is ensuring spectators have a fantastic experience on their way to games, getting into games, and moving around inside stadiums.

"We will be looking at existing processes and seeing if there are things that can be made better."

GoluBoy

February 14th, 2010, 10:13 AM

Fans also blasted stadium officials for understaffing at food and drink stalls. John Fitch, from Henderson, said he missed a quarter of the game while queuing to buy a beer.

Priority One:

Eden Park Concourse in new main stand.

100+ dedicated aisles providing food and beverages staffed by 100+ 'well presented' polite Kiwi's.

Fast turnaround with courteous service.

For the rest of stands,modern refreshment services were appropriate.

How difficult can it really be?.

IHaveNoLegs

March 15th, 2010, 05:01 AM

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10632185&ref=rss
Absolutely pointless what a waste of money if this goes ahead

Davee

March 15th, 2010, 04:15 PM

^ I like it.......once again Wellington leads the country in civic art, we could do with more stuff like this to brighten up CHC ;)

IHaveNoLegs

March 16th, 2010, 08:43 AM

A statue of Andrew Mehrtens would be a good thing, but not that hunk of junk

darkhorse09

March 25th, 2010, 09:09 PM

Meanwhile on the other side of the world. London Olympics set to build a £15 Million Olympic Monument. What a waste of money.....:bash:

IHaveNoLegs

April 4th, 2010, 11:28 AM

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch/3538704/Field-of-dreams-for-RWC-fans
I'm liking this but I'm not licking the idea of developments coming from models made in google sketchup

KLK

April 5th, 2010, 04:55 AM

Also, really like the idea of "Rugby Rd" from Cathedral Square to the Stadium.

With similar plans for Auckland, as well as the proximity of many of the other stadiums to the city centres (best illustrated by Wellington and Dunedin), this will be a real feature of the tournament - drinking in the inner city bars and strolling to/from the games, rather than having to jump on a bus or train for 30+mins

cambennett

April 21st, 2010, 10:45 PM

Rugby World Cup travel packages selling at record levels
Reuters - April 22, 2010, 2:34 am

LONDON, April 21 (Reuters) - Rugby union continues to buck the gloomy economic climate with expensive tour packages for the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand selling at record levels.

After figures this month revealed the healthy state of the Six Nations championship, organisers of English travel packages for next year's Sept. 9-Oct. 23 event have reported a 37 percent increase in sales compared with the same stage of the 2007 tournament in France.

England Rugby Travel, the official travel company for England fans, have reported revenues in excess of 1.2 million pounds ($1.85 million) six weeks after packages went on sale.

The most popular package is a 19-night quarter-finals to final option ranging from 4,000 pounds for a basic international flights and match tickets deal to 8,500 pounds full and "all inclusive" arrangement with accommodation, internal flights and various excursions.

Justin Hopwood, head of sales and marketing for English rugby travel, said he was pleased but not entirely surprised by the figures.

"This was always going to be a special event as with the growth of the tournament this could be the last time New Zealand host it," he told Reuters on Wednesday.

"We find that the rugby World Cup is a very different from a soccer World Cup. It is less about the pure match attendance and more inclusive of the whole experience.

"With New Zealand being so far away people have decided to make it a 'once in a lifetime' trip, taking in all the great tourist opportunities on offer alongside the rugby.

"The price is something they have had to work towards. The interest has been high on many fans' agenda for a long time, sales are probably two thirds towards top-end packages.

"They've seen this as a chance to combine it with a RWC and they know New Zealand will deliver a World Cup like no other. The whole country is immersed in the sport."

Comparisons with 2007 could be misleading as so many fans opted for short visits, sometimes several of them, and the best-sellers then were three-day packages.

Nevertheless, the early figures for 2011 certainly indicate that the sport remains in a healthy place and continues to attract fans who can afford the time and the money.

"People say that sports tourism is a growing market but it is not as general as that," said Hopwood. "A lot of our target market are people not necessarily affected by the economic conditions. Those kind of people want an experience for their money and prioritise that possibly over value for money.

"They have been saving towards this for a long time and they want to make memories for a lifetime."

buildemhigh

April 22nd, 2010, 02:21 AM

cambennett

April 28th, 2010, 01:22 AM

World Cup already 'our highest grossing event'
By TRACY WATKINS Last updated 05:00 28/04/2010

The Rugby World Cup is already New Zealand's biggest money-making event just a day after ticket sales opened to the public.

Fans flooded an official website calling for applications after it opened yesterday morning and demand had reached nearly 90,000 match tickets in the first six hours.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said the World Cup had overtaken the British and Irish Lions tour in 2005 as our highest grossing event. "The Lions tour grossed $32 million, which is the biggest grossing event New Zealand has ever had. Well, we've hit the $40m mark today."

That included demand for about $16m worth of tickets yesterday and earlier applications from global fans and New Zealand rugby clubs, box holders and season ticket holders.

Mr Snedden said he would be able to better gauge international demand once European buyers logged on overnight.

An official British travel agent reported that sales were 37 per cent ahead of what they were at the same time leading up to the Rugby World Cup in France in 2007.

Mr Snedden said he was confident preparations were on track, with the Eden Park upgrade scheduled to be completed this year.

The Government is preparing to introduce Rugby World Cup empowering legislation this week giving it sweeping powers to over-ride normal processes if required in the leadup to the tournament.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully was reluctant to spell out those powers but said it would allow the Government to fast-track decisions where needed. "It will make provisions so that if something unforeseen arises and the timetables in the normal legislation don't accommodate the necessary decision-making, then we'll have a mechanism to deal with it, " he said.

That included normal planning procedures – but he denied the legislation had been drafted to accomodate controversial plans for a party central at Auckland's Queens Wharf.

Meanwhile, there seems to have been high-level unease at the possible impact of liquor law changes on the World Cup. Mr McCully confirmed that he had been given assurances by Justice Minister Simon Power that they would be put on a slow track until after the event. The proposals include earlier closing times, a change to the drinking age and curbs on off-licence sales.

The Government yesterday announced the appointment of rugby legends Jonah Lomu, Sean Fitzpatrick, John Kirwan, David Kirk, Andy Haden and Andrew Mehrtens as World Cup ambassadors

KiwiRob

April 30th, 2010, 09:40 AM

Priority One:

100+ dedicated aisles providing food and beverages staffed by 100+ 'well presented' polite Kiwi's.

Fast turnaround with courteous service.

Jesus where are they going to find 100 well presented kiwi's?

How difficult can it really be?.

where are they going to find 100 well presents and courteous kiwi's

darkhorse09

May 12th, 2010, 02:52 AM

Progessing nicely.

http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE110502B.JPG

http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE110501B.JPG

http://www.argon.co.nz/images/NE110503B.JPG

KLK

May 12th, 2010, 04:13 AM

Yes, this should be a good RWC-legacy for the Northland region.

However, I am still very disappointed that the original design didnt go ahead because of - you guessed it - money.

It was an excellent layout for a regional stadium - really something different.

Richard7666

May 12th, 2010, 03:12 PM

Taranaki still has to take the cake though. Rugby Park in Invercargill has to be the worst, and for a place that's very successful with performance and has bigger attendances than anywhere outside the 3 main centres it's a half-arsed looking bloody joke.

KiwiGuy

May 14th, 2010, 07:50 AM

Trafalgar Park has had a spruce up over the past year and a half. Still looks shit, but at least it can seat more people in relative comfort now.

IHaveNoLegs

May 15th, 2010, 02:36 AM

do you have any pictures of it?

Mr_kiwi_fruit

May 19th, 2010, 10:32 AM

FREE bus & train rides for RWC ticketholders
NZ HERALD
12:15 PM Wednesday May 19, 2010

Rugby World Cup 2011 ticketholders in Auckland will get free rides on public transport to and from matches. Auckland RWC 2011 transport director Bruce Barnard said the move was to save ticketholders the time it would take to buy bus and train tickets. "This in turn means faster movement to and from matches which is the name of our game," Mr Barnard said. The free rides will be available in Auckland three hours before and after matches.

Auckland Regional Transport Authority chairman Rabin Rabindran said getting people out of their cars and on to public transport was the best way to move large crowds and keep traffic flowing smoothly. Tournament services general manager Nigel Cass said the offer of free public transport would "really impress our overseas visitors". Organisers said free public transport had played a critical part in the success of other major events worldwide.

Snorky33

May 22nd, 2010, 07:28 AM

Just thinking...is there going to be a RWC 2011 mascot? like a kiwi, see for the SWC in SA it's a Lion.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2885923160_e6c9c0dae6.jpg

Mr_kiwi_fruit

May 22nd, 2010, 08:25 AM

This guy was at the RWC2011 stand at the opening of the Queens Wharf??

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4569669025_8f9c0fa8e3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/4569669025/)

spotila

May 23rd, 2010, 01:54 AM

I think Jeremy Wells should be our mascot for everything ^_^
http://www.greatsoutherntv.com/content/news/11_jeremy2.jpg

KiwiBrit

May 23rd, 2010, 02:58 AM

This guy was at the RWC2011 stand at the opening of the Queens Wharf??

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4569669025_8f9c0fa8e3_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/4569669025/)

Thats not the mascot... it's Rodney!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2708/4105969267_671fbb5afa.jpg

Snorky33

May 23rd, 2010, 05:50 AM

Hey guys! what about this for the RWC masgot?

http://www.jeffcartoons.co.nz/ENLG/clark.jpg

Indictable

May 24th, 2010, 12:39 PM

No, we want people to come here!

KLK

May 25th, 2010, 07:01 AM

Invercargill has to be the worst, and for a place that's very successful with performance and has bigger attendances than anywhere outside the 3 main centres it's a half-arsed looking bloody joke.

I will make a prediction that the most embaressing venue (from a TV viewing perspective) won't be Invercargill, but Rugby Park Hamilton. Why? Check out what the additional seating to the right will look like:

http://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/dbimages/sfx20467.gif

This arrangement looked utterly ridiculous for the 'Bok test held there last year and when I saw it, and all I thought was "surely they won't do that for RWC2011". sadly, I was wrong.

I propose it be called the Tetris Stand. And it should never have been allowed.

And note the "GA" (General Admission) section for the opposite stand - thats standing (no seats). Same to apply at half the other grounds......

UglyBob

May 25th, 2010, 10:01 AM

^^ Yes it's quite a bizarre layout.

On a related theme, punters buying B category tickets in Dunedin based on Carisbrook stand to do quite well if Forsyth Barr Stadium is completed on time:

http://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/dbimages/sfx20484.gif

It's also an interesting precursor about future ticket prices for test matches down South ...

Richard7666

May 25th, 2010, 06:22 PM

I will make a prediction that the most embaressing venue (from a TV viewing perspective) won't be Invercargill, but Rugby Park Hamilton. Why? Check out what the additional seating to the right will look like:

I dunno, reckon Rugby Park will take some beating tbh, what with pinky the coloured weatherboard wall of Girls High at one end, and the 1980s scoreboard at the other. :ohno:

spotila

May 27th, 2010, 12:55 AM

where are you guys getting these stadium diagrams?

KLK

May 27th, 2010, 10:00 AM

where are you guys getting these stadium diagrams?

http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/destinationnewzealand/news/newsid=2036695.html#venue+maps

Click on the particular venue, then "venue map"

Richard7666

May 27th, 2010, 12:14 PM

http://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/dbimages/sfx20468.gif
http://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/dbimages/sfx20474.gif

Dear god. That is going to look unprofessional. Did Rotorua get any upgrades for the RWC? Otherwise these two must be about the only ones that didn't, and it's gonna show.

KLK

May 27th, 2010, 02:40 PM

Don't think Palmy did but then thats probably because they have been gradually upgrading over the last few years anway.

Upgraded the grandstand (outside and in), new seats on the terraces so its an all-seater, got a new big screen, they relaid the turf a while back and I think I read somewhere that they are getting flash electronic ticket readers for the main gates.

That last one might be for RWC2011, but that would be it I think.

Richard7666

May 27th, 2010, 05:26 PM

^Rugby Park redid the seating on the terraces or something; I just thought many of the others had done grandstands and things haven't they? Whangarei, Napier, I think Nelson?

crazyalex

May 28th, 2010, 04:51 AM

Dunedin stadium > rest of NZ stadium
Auckland stadium is a joke

otumoetaiNZ

June 14th, 2010, 05:43 AM

KLK

June 14th, 2010, 06:02 AM

I wonder if some of the towns hosting rwc 2011 matches are going to cope next year. Perhaps itd have been better for the country to host all matches in auckland hamilton tauranga wellington and christchurch?

Having grotty weather and nothing to do in a small town is going to spoil the image of NZ on the tourists.

Tourists are likely to be in the "small" towns a maximum of 3 days, and one of those taken up with activities before, during and after the match. I think they'll cope just fine finding things to do for 2 days.

And I sometimes wonder if NZers actually have any idea of the myriad of activities and attractions that exist outside of the main centres. Its staggering.

In fact, i think the small town match venues like Napier, Nelson, New Plymouth and Rotorua and nearby areas not hosting (think Queenstown/Wanaka, Tauranga/Mount, Taupo etc) will be the stars of the tournament from a tourists perspective.

otumoetaiNZ

June 14th, 2010, 11:14 PM

NZ1

June 15th, 2010, 01:53 AM

Yeah but the irish wouldnt even go to new plymouth until the game and when they did no one was even in the bars watching the game. Really embarassing and not the look we want for rwc matches. They need to be hosted in the cities with venues that can cope with these matches and where theres actually something to do.

So 25,000 people attending the match on Saturday wasn't enough for you?

As far as your uneducated and misinformed comments regarding there being no one in the bars watching the game, maybe you should try and say that to the crowds who were in every bar I went past on Saturday night,and to the crowds that arrived after the game, or perhaps the street-party that was held in the Western end of the CBD, or perhaps to the thousands of twenty-some-thing's that invaded the CBD after the match finished.

The streets were packed, and so were the restaurants and bars - there were NO complaints from the hospitality industry, and with 25,000 people at Yarrow Stadium the TRFU were pretty pleased as well!

No one really knows where that reporter (which is what I assume you're referring to) got the idea that it was deserted, but perhaps he was just having a bad day because he couldn't find a traditional Irish warm beer in New Plymouth. Good, I'm very pleased at that.

IHaveNoLegs

June 15th, 2010, 03:39 AM

on the subject does anyone have any pictures of yarrow stadium from saturday nights game?

piles

June 15th, 2010, 12:54 PM

I think New Plymouth hosting the Ireland v All Black game makes perfect sense. With all due respect to Ireland, they aren't the box office draw for the larger stadiums in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch. Granted, the Cake Tin only holds another 5,000 odd than Yarrow Stadium, but the Wellington public are treated to a hell of a lot more international sporting events than Taranaki, so there would be a lot less interest.

Yarrow Stadium is by far the best regional stadium in the country. New Plymouth also has a fantastic history of catering for large crowds coming from out of town, such as WOMAD, Fleetwood Mac, G-Taranaki etc.

bumsmoke

June 16th, 2010, 03:10 AM

on the subject does anyone have any pictures of yarrow stadium from saturday nights game?

I have a couple and will post at the weekend :)

And from a vistor to New Plymouth who was there all weekend - It coped just fine and the streets were very busy around match time. Also impressive were all the buses that were provided to take fans from the CBD to the stadium (thousands used these).

bumsmoke

June 20th, 2010, 03:19 AM

Not many but i did promise......

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120006.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120007.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120008.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120010.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120014.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120016.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120017.jpg

http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii316/bumsmoke/P6120021.jpg

IHaveNoLegs

June 20th, 2010, 06:06 AM

Thanks for those pictures, never see too many of Yarrow Stadium. The ground looks great, its just a pity they couldn't move that light tower.

Richard7666

June 20th, 2010, 08:18 AM

bumsmoke

June 20th, 2010, 12:49 PM

Thanks for those pictures, never see too many of Yarrow Stadium. The ground looks great, its just a pity they couldn't move that light tower.

Yeah that was my only complaint - all four light towers being inside the stands rather behind them. Apart form that though it's a good little stadium and a great asset for New Plymouth.

otumoetaiNZ

June 23rd, 2010, 03:43 AM

Hate to break it to you, but Dunedin would trump Hamilton and especially Tauranga in the venue stakes. Great look, having a speedway circuit round the pitch, isn't it. Not provincial at all.

You say the silliest things sometimes.

Yup the stadium all the way down there is gonna look really nice but pitty its just gonna suck the cash outta the ratepayers. Might make a really nice flower pot if you fill it in though.

Richard7666

June 26th, 2010, 10:29 AM

Yes agree it's probably excessive, but that's not what you were getting at, you seemed to be implying Tauranga was a superior venue to Dunedin for international rugby.

otumoetaiNZ

June 27th, 2010, 04:40 AM

UglyBob

June 27th, 2010, 05:15 AM

theres heaps more to do when the game isnt being played.

Bollocks -- each post you write confirms your plunge into new depths of wankerdom.

Richard7666

June 27th, 2010, 08:42 AM

I can't really comment too accurately as I've only been to Dunedin not Tauranga, but the latter doesn't really look like it has much in the way of entertainment compared to Dunedin. It looks quite small even though it is a bit bigger. 20,000 students make Dunedin a very vibrant place. The state of BoP rugby is also another factor, though Otago aren't exactly at the top of their game performance or finance wise either I'll admit. Tauranga is a relative sporting backwater while Dunedin is historically one of the top centres for this type of thing.

piles

June 27th, 2010, 10:13 AM

Tauranga needs a lot more work done on the stadium to get it up to standard, but lets face the fact that its a bigger city growing much faster, is centrally located, is closer to the major airports so tourists dont have to go far, and theres heaps more to do when the game isnt being played.

Your bias attitude is quite comical. You just seem to have a chip on you shoulder cause Tauranga isn't getting any World Cup games so have decided belittling New Plymouth and Dunedin is the way to go.

For the record I think Tauranga is a fabulous place and if the stadium gets a good upgrade, it would get some high profile games. But just out of interest, what is there that is "heaps more to do" in Tauranga?

otumoetaiNZ

June 29th, 2010, 08:28 AM

Your bias attitude is quite comical. You just seem to have a chip on you shoulder cause Tauranga isn't getting any World Cup games so have decided belittling New Plymouth and Dunedin is the way to go.

For the record I think Tauranga is a fabulous place and if the stadium gets a good upgrade, it would get some high profile games. But just out of interest, what is there that is "heaps more to do" in Tauranga?

Nope just being realistic since this is our international reputation on the line and theres already been some negative comments from reporters following teams around. Putting matches on in inaccessible places isn't gonna bode well for our reputation.

Tauranga has far more things to do that some of these other places that are hosting games. Whats there to do in invercargil or palmy? In my opinion they should keep the matches to the cities so that more people can attend and players dont get bored during the day.

piles

June 29th, 2010, 09:24 AM

^^ Palmerston North and Invercargill are a little different as they offer probably the worst stadiums for this world cup, and for that reason agree that they probably shouldn't be hosts (I'm not convinced on Nelson's stadium either). I can't comment on what there is to do in those towns as haven't been to either place for years. I would imagine though that many who visit Invercargill for the games will make the journey to Queenstown while they are in the area.

However, all the other cities/towns have plenty of activities for tourists. I'm still unclear about what Tauranga could offer that the other centres can't?

I've only seen 1 negative comment from a reporter (in regards to New Plymouth) which mainly seemed to be a few cheap shots because the local media blasted the Irish rugby team for staying in Auckland. Even at the end of the article he said a fair few nice things about the town. There is a reason New Plymouth gets international events, especially for a town of only 70,000 odd. WOMAD, Jack Johnson, R.E.M, Slash, Motorhead, Fleetwood Mac, Elton John....Obviously the town has something to offer.

Richard7666

June 29th, 2010, 11:06 AM

Isn't that the district population, not the actual city? But on topic, agreed. Everywhere has something to do, the main concerns are the shit stadiums in the aforementioned cities. I actually think Arena Manawatu is worse than Rugby Park now, after looking at more pics. Trafalgar Park isn't too hot either now I've googled it. Rugby Park pisses me off especially though, because by rights it should be a decent stadium. Invercargill likes to trumpet it's recreational facilities, but then there's this retarded bloody half-arsed thing. Grrr.

Nope just being realistic since this is our international reputation on the line and theres already been some negative comments from reporters following teams around. Putting matches on in inaccessible places isn't gonna bode well for our reputation.

Tauranga has far more things to do that some of these other places that are hosting games. Whats there to do in invercargil or palmy? In my opinion they should keep the matches to the cities so that more people can attend and players dont get bored during the day.

What's there to do in Hamilton? What's there to do anywhere outside of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown (and possibly Rotorua, if you like that stuff)? As for accessibiliy, Tauranga isn't particularly accessible either is it? Can the airport there even handle mid sized jets? The hardest place to get to is probably going to be Nelson, not Invers and Palmy.

Also, what proportion of locals to tourists are the punters expected to be does anyone know?

KLK

July 5th, 2010, 06:32 AM

I actually think Arena Manawatu is worse than Rugby Park now, after looking at more pics.

Clearly people have never been to the ground. I can only assume you are looking at old photos, like the ones posted here previously - for some reason its difficult to find photos of the ground upgraded (upgraded stand, new seating on the terraces)

Its an all-seater (very rare for provincial NZ) with a great grandstand - its only downfall being the track between the field and the stands. But overall its a nice, pleasant provincial stadium.

http://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/dbimages/sfx20473.gif

I'd rate it ahead of Invercargill, Nelson, Whangarei (other than the fact it has a new stand) and Napier (that ground is a dog's breakfast) and perhaps even Rotorua given its pathetic stand and that the majority of its capacity is a grass bank - but I do like Rotorua's ampitheatre setting nonetheless (and its 34k capacity).

And as for Tauranga missing out, it was - Auckland aside - one ground per region. And that ground for that region was in Rotorua. Tauranga will get their fare share of tourists and no doubt teams will base themselves there between matches for training.

otumoetaiNZ

July 6th, 2010, 09:27 AM

What's there to do in Hamilton? What's there to do anywhere outside of Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown (and possibly Rotorua, if you like that stuff)? As for accessibiliy, Tauranga isn't particularly accessible either is it? Can the airport there even handle mid sized jets? The hardest place to get to is probably going to be Nelson, not Invers and Palmy.

Also, what proportion of locals to tourists are the punters expected to be does anyone know?

Theres plenty to do in the golden triangle. You've got some of the best scenery in the country, beaches, shopping all sorts. Why do you think tauranga gets so many cruise ships? Plus its all in one area close to where tourists lands. I reckon a combined international airport for tauranga and rotorua is the way to go but that could be a bit far away.

Yeah nelson is definitely isolated but like other similar places like palmy and invercargil I guess they've got flights to and from the cities so that will help.

KLK

July 6th, 2010, 11:48 AM

Alot of tourists will be driving too - rental car or mini van - so alot of places (which are serviced regularly by the airlines anyway) will be easily accessible.

I can see alot of tourists driving the entire length of the SI over a week, finishing up in a place like Nelson going north.

Is it just me or do NZers like to make things in our backyard seem more negative than they actually are?!?!?

Richard7666

July 6th, 2010, 01:00 PM

Theres plenty to do in the golden triangle. You've got some of the best scenery in the country, beaches, shopping all sorts. Why do you think tauranga gets so many cruise ships? Plus its all in one area close to where tourists lands. I reckon a combined international airport for tauranga and rotorua is the way to go but that could be a bit far away.

That's primarily Auckland and the BoP (and even then I'd dispute the scenery claim, you should visit the South Island), not Hamilton and the Waikato. As for cruise ships I'm not sure, but it's probably a safe bet to say that it's *not* so people can visit Hamilton. Like how Queenstown's international flights aren't so people can visit Invercargill.

Also isn't Rotorua airport basically what you've just described already? Serving the whole Bay of Plenty.

whooodaman

July 16th, 2010, 04:33 AM

Editorial:
By WARWICK RASMUSSEN, Deputy Editor - Manawatu Standard Last updated
OPINION: Auckland is an easy target for the rest of the country to take potshots at. Sometimes it's justified, other times it's misguided.

The city's handling of the debacle that is "party central" during next year's Rugby World Cup is certainly a case for the former.

There's a saying that talks about an inability to organise a decent party at a brewery. Again, that fits well with what Auckland is doing (or not doing as it may be this time).

People in the regions (read: not Auckland) have no problem with our biggest city embarrassing itself. It's when the City of Sails manages to embarrass all of us that we have a problem.

Since November 2005, when New Zealand was announced as the host of the seventh Rugby World Cup, Auckland has shot itself in the foot time and time again, with unerring regularity.

There was the issue about where the major games, particularly the final, would be held. The city, because of its cumbersome and monolithic nature, fuelled by strong personalities and egos, couldn't decide.

A brand new stadium on the criminally underused waterfront? Or a patch-up job on Eden Park with some lip service to public transport upgrades?

Of course, the Eden Park option was taken up, even though no-one is that happy with it and there's no way it's a viable long-term option considering it's plonked in the middle of suburban Auckland.

Now, with the "will it, won't it" party central plan, Auckland's leadership has failed again. What is "party central"? A cruise ship terminal? A big booze up miles away from the games?

It was a bad idea that was poorly defined and managed and judging by announcements yesterday is dead in the water.

Just look at other regions and how they've got on with the business. Other major centres, such as Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin and Hamilton are all on track with plans. Some could host the matches tomorrow.

Auckland's track record isn't flash, either. It lost the V8s to Hamilton and would be laughed at if it was suggested the Sevens were held there. It even lost its top flower show. There is now a risk that cup-related festivals could be lost too.

It's bad enough that the city can be shown up to the rest of the country, but the rest of the rugby world is something else altogether.

Auckland may be the city other places in New Zealand love to hate. A failure next year will give all of those people a valid reason to.

Snorky33

July 16th, 2010, 05:16 AM

New Zealand the rip off capital of the world...

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10659094

Richard7666

July 16th, 2010, 06:28 AM

KLK

July 16th, 2010, 09:11 AM

On the stadium front, Rugby Park now has a stand that goes all the way along I see. It lacks corporate boxes at the top though on the new quarter, and looks rather 'unfinished', hopefully somethings going to be put at the top. It also has a new media centre and the terraces are fully seated except the ends of the pitch.

Now I just need to set the old scoreboard alight...

This the ticket map for RWC2011:

http://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com/dbimages/sfx20468.gif

The extra bit of the stand looks temporary.

From memory, the "terraces" only make up about half of the side opposite the grandstand, the rest is grass (like the ends). Is the whole side seated now?

Richard7666

July 16th, 2010, 05:43 PM

UglyBob

July 17th, 2010, 02:30 AM

It's made of cement, I think it's at least semi permanent. They often used to put a temp stand up but it was very 'scaffhold' looking, this is something different. Still looks like shit.

Yeah terraces are fully seated now.

I understand that the seating is temporary and due to anticipated higher attendances for the ITM cup/Ranfurly Shield games. Happy to be proven wrong.

The government did recently announce a $200k grant to Invercargill to upgrade media facilities at Rugby Park before RWC though.

IHaveNoLegs

July 17th, 2010, 03:01 AM

Are you talking about that shitty little stand with different coloured seats right next to the grandstand? That looked awful during the ranfurly shield match last week; and it didn't look very permanent.

Richard7666

July 17th, 2010, 07:08 AM

No the thing I'm thinking of had only single coloured seating. It was unused.

Uglybob you mean the terrace seating is temporary, or the stand?

UglyBob

July 17th, 2010, 07:31 AM

No the thing I'm thinking of had only single coloured seating. It was unused.

Uglybob you mean the terrace seating is temporary, or the stand?

The stand. See Southland Times 9 July

Meanwhile, Rugby Park's temporary grandstand might not be in operation for today's Ranfurly Shield challenge against North Otago. Erected at the eastern end of the main grandstand on Tuesday, the 1035-seat structure had yet to be inspected by the Invercargill City Council.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/3900328/Fans-get-set-for-Shield-battle-tonight

darkhorse09

July 17th, 2010, 11:45 PM

Will there be 3D coverage at IRB WC 2011? and if so will the main centres broadcast and use latest technology like Spider Cam?

Sky are the main broadcaster so will they be using different angles?

According to the WC site its the 3rd most watched event in the world. This will enhance the Rugby WC for those watching from there sets around the world, and here, at bars etc..

http://g.sports.yahoo.com/soccer/world-cup/news/spidercam-gives-world-cup-watchers-birds-eye--fbintl_ap-wcup-spidercam.html

Marvo

July 18th, 2010, 12:30 AM

3D and 'spider cam' are two different things, the reference to 3D in the article only refers to the spider cam's ability to move in 3Dimensions; back/forth, left/right as well as up and down.

3D TV is here in Nth America currently with mixed results; frankly it is only as good as the quality of glasses you wear. Hockey has had some mixed results with it including the world champs, Baseball recently broadcast the all star home run derby in 3D - all in all it is probably where HD was 8-10 years ago; ie broadcasters still playing with it and consumers unsure whether to buy a new telly. (IMO the best part of 3D is the score and player graphics, they play some neat games with those spinning and moving around the screen)

Spider cam is extensively used in NFL and has been for years, though never heard it called that - then again I still hear comms referring to the 'Mexican' wave ... groan. My concern with rugby would be the whole getting in the way thing with high kicks, it is never an issue with NFL as punts are pretty well telegraphed and the operators have time to get out of the way, the back and forth of rugby would be tough to manage.

I would be more concerned with ensuring all broadcasts are in HD firstly prior to 3D.

Richard7666

July 18th, 2010, 05:58 AM

The stand. See Southland Times 9 July

http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/3900328/Fans-get-set-for-Shield-battle-tonight

Oh okay. Bummer though maybe not because it is ugly.

Easty

August 9th, 2010, 12:00 AM

Kiwis must make room for improvement at World Cup GREG GROWDEN
August 9, 2010

Sydney Morning Herald

MONDAY MAUL

Remember the classic ship scene from the Marx Brothers' A Night at the Opera when everyone pours into Otis B Driftwood's stateroom?

As the three Marx Brothers are surrounded by manicurists, ship engineers and finally waiters carrying plates of food, Groucho exclaims: ''Is it my imagination, or is it getting crowded in here?''

That moment was re-enacted on Saturday night in Christchurch. But this time it wasn't funny. All week we'd been hearing about how the Christchurch Test was being used as a guinea pig for next year's World Cup tournament to see whether the local facilities could cope with a major international event. The Wallabies travelled via Auckland to check if the Customs facilities would be efficient enough for the visiting teams.

Good to hear, as the Auckland arrivals area can be a debacle. Sure, New Zealanders are proud they are a wool nation, but it doesn't mean tourists have to be herded into a sheep pen. If you can get through the baggage area in less than half an hour, think yourself lucky. And then you have to confront the nightmare of travelling into Auckland where a highway suddenly dissolves into a one-lane suburban street, prompting delays and further frustration.

Can't wait for World Cup finals time in Auckland, especially as the locals are already whingeing that getting to and from Eden Park is as easy as escaping Alcatraz.

Surely it would be better in Christchurch? No. All week we heard taxi drivers complaining about how they had turned the area around AMI Stadium into a ''no go'' zone. The international media were supposedly in luck. They were provided with a bus that would take them straight to the ground. A bus breakdown on the way to the stadium on Test night can be forgiven; not so the disgraceful media facilities.

The press box was slightly bigger than a broom cupboard. Journalists were forced to scramble over each other to get to their cramped seats. One Australian journalist's view was completely obliterated by a double window frame. He knew exactly how Otis B Driftwood felt.

All this came after we had to storm-troop our way in, as there was only one lift operating, followed by a 40-metre bottleneck into the corporate area while one official demanded that they look at everyone's pass. Kick-off was just minutes away. And don't ask us about the celebrations when the All Blacks won the Bledisloe Cup. We couldn't see a thing - as the spectators in front of the glass stood up en masse, obliterating any view of the ground.

No doubt this bleat will bring out all the members of the New Zealand Flat Earth Society, complaining of unfair Kiwi bashing. So I write this with hand on heart. New Zealand is one of my favourite countries. It is a beautiful, spectacular nation, and you cannot find more hospitable people. My family spent two memorable weeks last January travelling around the South Island in a camper van. And that's just one of many great trips to the Shaky Isles.

But a constant irritant is that New Zealand is the ''gunna'' country. They're gunna do this. They're gunna do that. They were doing it straight after being granted the World Cup. Politicians and officials were promising they would dramatically improve facilities, particularly accommodation, so visitors wouldn't have to sleep on park benches. What has happened? Not much.

Now they're saying fans will be berthed on ships, anchored offshore. Are they kidding? No wonder, when confronted by the exorbitant prices asked by the few hotels that have any rooms left, so many Australians believe it will be wiser to just travel over on game day, and take a flight home that night. New Zealand is better than this. We can only hope those who can make something change over the next 13 months get off their butts and sort it out.

Davee

August 9th, 2010, 05:12 PM

The Press

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1281264755/432/4003432.jpg

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1281308584/380/4004380.jpg

Rugby and city leaders have declared Christchurch ready for next year's Rugby World Cup but some readers and a major Australian newspaper disagree.

The All Blacks won the on-field tussle over the Wallabies, while the city was praised for its own performance – with Rugby World Cup 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden saying the rugby weekend came through "with flying colours".

Snedden yesterday described the weekend as "outstanding".

"It's not a full dress rehearsal for Rugby World Cup, but there are significant parts that are," he said.

"Just like Eden Park did with the Springboks test a few weeks ago, this has come through with flying colours."

There was a good vibe in the central city after the match and patrons appeared to be well-behaved, Snedden said.

"All power to the people of Christchurch and [venue manager] Vbase, who must be feeling extremely pleased.

"It's no mean feat to redevelop a stadium, but to see it looking as brilliant as it did was just something special."

Despite claims of boorish behaviour from Kiwi fans, Snedden had no doubts the hosts would "rise to the occasion" next year.

"The understanding that everyone does have to be on their best behaviour and look after the visitors will be something people become more and more conscious of," he said.

Police reported a quiet night around the city.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said visitors were "full of compliments" about the city.

"It felt completely safe, positive and very friendly," he said.

Vbase chief executive Bryan Pearson said the 800 staff working at the stadium did a "great job".

"We were very pleased with the way things went and we've come away with a lot of learning, operationally, about how we can make further improvements," he said.

"The wonderful thing is we've got a year to continue to make that happen before we welcome Rugby World Cup fans."

A steady flow of spectators meant no backlog at the stadium gates.

There were no problems with drunk spectators, Pearson said.

"I felt that Christchurch could be justifiably proud of the occasion, and can be optimistic about us being able to step up as a city and play a big part in Rugby World Cup," he said.

Christchurch hotelier Tim Nicholls said the central city was busy after the match, but "sedate".

There was no "boorish" behaviour or abuse from All Blacks fans.

"It was very congenial; in fact, it was almost too quiet," he said.

"I actually heard a comment from a couple of guys from overseas saying, `these locals don't know how to celebrate their rugby'," Nicholls said.

Central City Business Association manager Paul Lonsdale said there was a large police presence, but no crowd trouble.

"[Police] were a bit nervous at the start, but that's just because it was a big event and they had put the effort in to make sure it worked 100 per cent."

Greg Growden of the Sydney Morning Herald said "exorbitant" accommodation prices would mean many Australians would travel over on game day and take a flight home that night.

"We can only hope those who can make something change over the next 13 months get off their butts and sort it out," he said.

A Press reader said the atmosphere created by the New Zealand fans made her daughter "ashamed of being a New Zealander".

"The Australians were being booed, sworn at, told to p... off back to Aussie, etc. New Zealanders are not the friendly people they make out to be. They paid alot of money to come here, they wouldn't treat us like that," they said.

Davee

August 9th, 2010, 05:16 PM

VBASE RESPONDS

Bryan Pearson, chief executive of VBase, was confident media would be well accommodated at AMI Stadium during the Rugby World Cup.

"Media facilities at AMI Stadium were upgraded last year following feedback from NZRU, CRFU, other clients, Sky TV and other NZ media. Amenity and scale of the permanent media facilities are designed to meet regular stadium event needs,'' he said.

Standards for the Rugby World Cup 2011 media facilities were determined by RNZ 2011 Ltd and RWC media partners, and were on an "altogether different scale''.

"AMI Stadium media facilities for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 would be temporarily expanded and enhanced to meet the specifications,'' Pearson said.

Davee

August 9th, 2010, 05:21 PM

By MARC GREENHILL - The Press

http://static.stuff.co.nz/1281264866/411/4003411.jpg

Christchurch's Rugby Road has been hailed a success after thousands of sports fans walked the two-kilometre route to AMI Stadium on Saturday.

Spectators were encouraged to walk the traffic-free route from Cathedral Square to minimise congestion and generate atmosphere for the Bledisloe Cup rugby test.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, who walked the 15-minute journey in both directions, said the walk was "absolutely brilliant".

"There was a wonderful atmosphere," he said.

"It was very friendly and people enjoyed themselves walking."

Parker was not surprised the route was packed.

"I thought people were ready to try it and I was really pleased that so many people found it a really novel way to go," he said. "It reminded me of my teenage years when walking to the game was a big part of going to the game."

Rugby World Cup 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden, who also walked the route, expected it to catch on with sports fans.

"It's a really easy walk," Snedden said.

"There's a nice atmosphere with everyone in a state of anticipation wandering in the same direction."

Christchurch hotelier Tim Nicholls said his overseas guests enjoyed the experience.

"Australians who had previously walked the route up Ferry Rd said it was great having a quiet walk all the way," Nicholls said.

"I was quite impressed by the whole thing.

"It was great for users and great for Christchurch."

More signage was needed to keep pedestrians on the route after the game, Nicholls said.

However, the road closures proved disruptive for an inner-city resident. James Macbeth Dann said he faced traffic problems trying to return to his apartment on the corner of Cashel St and Manchester St.

After being diverted three times, he had to park his car on the roadside and walk three blocks to get home. It was only once the rugby match started that he could retrieve his car.

Other residents would have faced similar problems, he said.

KLK

August 10th, 2010, 05:24 AM

Easty

August 10th, 2010, 06:49 AM

I note that the Sydney journalist - like others have - makes a jibe at us using cruise ships for accommodation in the later stages of the tournament.

It seems he was OK to see them used - 12 in all - for the 2000 Olympics, but not for RWC2011, when a mere 3 will be in operation.

Personally speaking, touring up the east coast and stopping in places like Christchurch, Malborough Sounds, Wellington, Napier and Auckland - and having - in the main - downtown accommodation (which is where they will be berthed in Akld) sounds like an awesome way to do the Cup.....

^^
Yeah look I didnt have time to give my pennies worth when I posted this artical.
Theres an element of taking the micky on the kiwi. Theres also an element of truth.
Personally its a bit of a toss read, but I pasted it from the front page of SMH...on line.
FYI ....dont forget the cruise ships for the Vancouver Winter Olympics...there were a couple there as well.
One of the great abilities when you are a harbour city..

The Vancouver 2010 Cruise Ship
Friday September 18, 2009
The Olympic Games are coming soon in 2010, and many people have the perception that there are no hotel rooms available for them to stay. It’s not so!
There is a totally unique accommodation solution that will be sailing up to Vancouver for the Games, arriving as the biggest hotel in Vancouver, and providing incredible affordable, deluxe accommodation for Games enthusiasts, with or without event tickets.
Newwest Special Projects’ will be docking a floating, all-inclusive resort hotel, the beautiful Norwegian Star cruise ship, in Vancouver’s harbour for 20 nights during the 2010 Winter Games.

While docked, guests will be able to enjoy the Olympic Games, explore cultural entertainment, the city nightlife or stay onboard and experience world class entertainment and gourmet dining – without extra cost or hassle. Unlike other venues in Vancouver, there will be no line ups at the Norwegian Star’s 13 restaurants, 8 lounges, luxurious spa, indoor pool and fitness center.
Situated in the harbor, no other hotel in Vancouver will be able to equal the service, entertainment, access and pure enjoyment of the Norwegian Star during the Winter Games, or offer such incomparable views from the water of the mountains and Vancouver’s dynamic cityscape.
While in Vancouver, the ship will feature all the amenities, activities and entertainment programs as if at sea, with a pampering ratio of one crew member for every two guests. Newwest’s fabulous deluxe accommodation packages include all meals, airport transfers, local transfers, city tours and much more, starting at just $350 per person, based on double occupancy.

Indictable

August 10th, 2010, 09:09 AM

Whats the places to be pre/post games in our cities? Like how Brisbane has Caxton etc

whizz_pat

August 10th, 2010, 12:57 PM

Christchurch looked stunning on TV this weekend. Stadium looking great!

buildemhigh

September 9th, 2010, 03:15 AM

under a year to go now, where is the buildup/hype around this event? We by now should have a focal point but unless I am missing the obvious there isnt anything in the CBD that as a tourist would identify that we are hosting this event at all, let alone in 365 days.......

Snorky33

September 9th, 2010, 06:30 AM

So it's now only a year out and how better for Auckland to celebrate...IT'S POURING WITH RAIN of course typical Auckland spring weather...what a shame that Eden Park hasn't got a roof. As a conclusion Auckland rugby fans damned, Dunedin rugby fans blessed.

greenwelly

September 9th, 2010, 06:41 AM

FYI ....dont forget the cruise ships for the Vancouver Winter Olympics...there were a couple there as well.
One of the great abilities when you are a harbour city..

No there weren't

http://www.torontosun.com/sports/vancouver2010/news/2010/02/03/12717211-qmi.html

VANCOUVER — The only Norwegian Star at the 2010 Winter Olympics may be a Nordic skier because accommodation aboard a cruise ship by that name was cancelled Tuesday.

The 1,108-room luxury liner chartered by Edmonton-based Newwest Special Projects was supposed to leave Los Angeles Saturday and arrive Feb. 10 in Burrard Inlet. But a lack of bookings and rising costs forced Newwest to sink the plan. Refunds, according to a news release, would be issued “in a timely manner.”
...
The ship was supposed to stay at the Kinder Morgan industrial dock in North Vancouver until March 2.
...
Newwest is the second cruise offering to sink because of the poor economy. The DEAP Group failed to get financing last fall to berth seven smaller ships in two locations.

Snorky33

September 23rd, 2010, 05:24 AM

Svartmetall

September 23rd, 2010, 05:29 AM

An absolutely brilliant article from Peter Bills...yes well done NZ taking the softly softly approach to the upcoming RWC was a grand idea, what SA choose to do with the recent SWC has become a disaster only of nightmares. May the world always have these two examples there to learn from...one final note with the 2014 SWC and 2016 Summer Olympics staged in the one country, do think Brazil will learn? somehow i have my doubts.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/a-stadium-for-the-world-cup/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501105&objectid=10665895

Rugby World Cup is a tiny, TINY drop in the ocean compared to the FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is currently the largest sporting event in the world and so has extremely strict criteria to meet for hosting. NZ wouldn't come close to being able to fulfil FIFA criteria for hosting the World Cup, yet what they've done is adequate for the Rugby World Cup.

Compare like with like. That article was stupid.

Snorky33

September 23rd, 2010, 07:29 AM

Rugby World Cup is a tiny, TINY drop in the ocean compared to the FIFA World Cup. The FIFA World Cup is currently the largest sporting event in the world and so has extremely strict criteria to meet for hosting. NZ wouldn't come close to being able to fulfil FIFA criteria for hosting the World Cup, yet what they've done is adequate for the Rugby World Cup.

Compare like with like. That article was stupid.

WRONG how about rereading the article? we all know that the RWC is well behind the SWC, Peter Bill's is just highlighting all the white elephants that SA now have, after all the hype has settled down and the dust has settled all those flash new stadiums costing billions now just sit there looking pretty...the classic examples being Durban & Cape Town.

Svartmetall

September 23rd, 2010, 09:27 AM

WRONG how about rereading the article? we all know that the RWC is well behind the SWC, Peter Bill's is just highlighting all the white elephants that SA now have, after all the hype has settled down and the dust has settled all those flash new stadiums costing billions now just sit there looking pretty...the classic examples being Durban & Cape Town.

I did read the article quite clearly in the first place. If a country is left with white elephants following investment then they simply shouldn't have been given the tournament in the first place. For example, the big spending and huge infrastructure improvements that occurred in Germany for the 2006 FIFA World Cup have resulted in a lasting legacy for the country including vastly improved facilities, improved transport to games and general infrastructure improvements.

The same was noted in the 2002 World Cup in which Korea and Japan were left with stadiums (most of which were new-build) which are, largely, continuing to be well-utilised. Why? Because all of these countries continue to have large football leagues and thus utilise the stadia for purpose. South Africa doesn't have the same level of football participation on the whole nor the wealthy population to support the tournament ergo the stadiums will become white elephants as they already had fit-for-purpose stadia for the sports they are actively involved in.

So in summary:

#1. Compare developed nations with developed nations.

#2. Compare OTHER tournaments where new-build stadia have been utilised fully such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

#3. Compare countries which have an established base for the sport in question. NZ has an established rugby culture, Japan, Korea and Germany have established football culture ergo the venues will be successful post-games.

#4. Compare games of equal standing. The Football World Cup is a different beast to the Rugby World Cup.

#5. Use a better researched article.

Also, it's the Football World Cup, not Soccer (hence FIFA, Fédération Internationale de Football Association not FISA).

This article is only attempting to justify why things have been done on the cheap and why we aren't getting legacy facilities that would have done much more for the country in the long run. Infrastructure spending in terms of transport infrastructure and hotel facilities should have been upgraded more fully than they have been.

This is not to say I don't think our games are going to be successful, more that I don't think we should be crowing with delight at doing things on the cheap.

dysan1

September 23rd, 2010, 08:09 PM

dysan1

September 23rd, 2010, 08:11 PM

The same was noted in the 2002 World Cup in which Korea and Japan were left with stadiums (most of which were new-build) which are, largely, continuing to be well-utilised.

#2. Compare OTHER tournaments where new-build stadia have been utilised fully such as the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Good response, but this has to be challenged. Many have been demolished since the tournament

Snorky33

September 24th, 2010, 05:52 AM

So Peter Bills is the light? the all seeing oracle? Firstly alot about what he says on the stadiums is totally false. The stadiums in Durban and Cape Town have hosted a number of events since the World Cup. Durban has concerts coming up in Novemember and December, it is busy every single day with tourists and way over 200000 people have now visited the top of the arch, each paying R50 to ride the SkyCar that takes you up. The many restaurants and bars at the base of the stadium hum on weekends, heck there is even a club and a massive new Virgin Active Health Club opening soon. Not to mention the 1000s that are bungee jumping off the arch.

So yeah, they seem to really be just sitting there looking pretty...

So quick to jump on a bandwagon, so slow to look for the real facts.

That said, good luck with Rugby World Cup

Oh please...tell me which two venues (being just over the road from each other) stage the most sporting events per year? Kings Park? or Moses Mabhida Stadium?

Svartmetall

September 24th, 2010, 05:53 AM

Good response, but this has to be challenged. Many have been demolished since the tournament

What? All Korean stadiums are still being used in the K-league or have current tenants. Same with all the Japanese stadia too - they all take part in the J-league or have current tenants. Where did you get the information from that the venues have been demolished? It simply isn't true I'm afraid. Many have changed names due to sponsorship, much in the same way that Allianz Arena in Munich had to change its name for the WC.

buildemhigh

September 24th, 2010, 07:19 AM

dysan1

September 24th, 2010, 11:23 AM

Oh please...tell me which two venues (being just over the road from each other) stage the most sporting events per year? Kings Park? or Moses Mabhida Stadium?

MM hosts at least two soccer fixtures a week with Amazulu having the stadium as their base. It is hosting a massive Heritage day celebration festival today. It is hosting a 70000 capacity MTN8 Championship Soccer Final next weekend. It has SA vs India T20 cricket with 70000 tickets going on sale in October and will most likely be sold out in hours such is the hype. Plus more.

Kings Park, or Absa stadium, is lucky to host one rugby game per week.

Heck even on rugby days the neighbouring MM is full with people taking all the tours, using all the bars and cafes and stores.

And lets be honest. Kings Park will eventually be demolished and the Sharks will move across.

Knock at your own leisure to make yourself feel better, but dont come jumping on a bandwagon you really know little about. You dont see me harping on about how shocking it is that NZ really have not done much for the Rugby World Cup - simply because i do not know enough on the matter to comment.

Mr_kiwi_fruit

September 24th, 2010, 12:56 PM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5020134822_07692bfee7_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/5020134822/)
RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/5020134822/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

I think that you are all missing the point of the article, it is not only based on the lack of events at the stadiums in South Africa but it is more directed at the expense of the stadiums. Nobody can deny the fact that there was huge budget over-runs on most of the projects related to the FIFA World Cup when the money could have been used more responsibly and redirected towards the people of South Africa who are in dire need of assistance. In a country where millions are living on approximately a $1 a day in slums not fit for human habitation. It is clear that South Africa was short-sighted, they had to prove a point and create iconic structures at the expense of the poor. New Zealand on the other hand places citizens first and doesn't need to prove anything to the world.

Eden Park might not be iconic but it is a huge improvement - nobody can argue against that. Other stadiums in NZ are fantastic and we have created stadiums that will serve New Zealand's needs, not that of a country twice the size. Also, almost everything being built for the rugby world cup is way ahead of schedule and under budget, that in itself is a huge feat and a job well done. The legacy for Auckland will be immense, 3 new hotels at the airport, major motorway upgrades, entire streets in the city centre are being ripped up and being turned into shares spaces, Aotea Square upgrade, The Auckland Art Gallery upgrade, a brand new waterfront which will serve as the foundation for bigger things to come, train station upgrades, improvement districts have been formed for Kingsland and Eden Valley, Queen's Wharf has been reclaimed as a people friendly space, Q Theatre, the beginnings of a tram network for downtown Auckland, Civic crescent, the area around Eden Park has seen some major improvements for the people living there and lets not forget the K'Road overbridge upgrade. If it wasn't for the RWC we would probably wait for a couple of years to see all of this develop at the current rate.

The above-mentioned projects are far more important than a stadium which will only be used for a couple hours, every other day. It is Kiwi's who will be left with a much improved city, not just during the RWC but long after that, and most important of all extra cash in their pockets. As for doing things on the cheap, bullshit, public spaces are upgraded to the highest quality using the best products they can afford. If you want to see cheap then you must go and visit South africa and make a fair comparison. We don't use ash bricks for paving, bus shelters without any decent form of seating, 80's brick landscaping, twigs/branches for barricades and concrete benches - you get top-notch quality here and it is evident in all the recent public realm upgrades.

You might like to disagree with the article but he is on the money (his points are valid although some of it might be outdated) ... for a little island downunder with a population of 4.3 million we can be very, very, very proud of what we have achieved thus far. I am willing to bet that most of the rugby supporters won't even notice the stadium/s, it is only people like us who are interested in architecture and we are in the minority. Who cares, let the party begin. It is going to be a huge bash for all to enjoy in style.

Snorky33

September 24th, 2010, 01:24 PM

Knock at your own leisure to make yourself feel better, but dont come jumping on a bandwagon you really know little about. You dont see me harping on about how shocking it is that NZ really have not done much for the Rugby World Cup - simply because i do not know enough on the matter to comment.

YAWN:uh:

IHaveNoLegs

September 25th, 2010, 04:08 AM

^^ Yet all of your posts in the Eden park thread seem to say otherwise

Love the petty nationalism in this forum
I could say Swedish people are a vile scum the world could live without or the roads in Malawi are shit and within 5 minutes some troll from Sweden or Malawi will be here to refute what I just said

Rubbish article.

"Green Point, overlooking Cape Town's Table Bay, was the most expensive of the new stadiums built and it staged just eight matches.

That equates to a capital outlay of $117.5 million for each game held there.'

Yeah because the stadium was demolised the day after the world cup never to be used again.

Svartmetall

September 25th, 2010, 01:10 PM

I think that you are all missing the point of the article, it is not only based on the lack of events at the stadiums in South Africa but it is more directed at the expense of the stadiums. Nobody can deny the fact that there was huge budget over-runs on most of the projects related to the FIFA World Cup when the money could have been used more responsibly and redirected towards the people of South Africa who are in dire need of assistance. In a country where millions are living on approximately a $1 a day in slums not fit for human habitation. It is clear that South Africa was short-sighted, they had to prove a point and create iconic structures at the expense of the poor. New Zealand on the other hand places citizens first and doesn't need to prove anything to the world.

Agreed and exactly what I said in my post. :)

Eden Park might not be iconic but it is a huge improvement - nobody can argue against that. Other stadiums in NZ are fantastic and we have created stadiums that will serve New Zealand's needs, not that of a country twice the size.

Agreed too. We don't need huge stadia for there to be a successful world cup and that is not what I was saying in my post. Our stadiums are fine and not once did I knock them in my post. We do, however, have the capacity in Auckland to relocate our main stadium from Eden Park to an iconic Waterfront Stadium as we have an established rugby league both for Union and League. This, combined with other events held at stadiums such as cricket, concerts etc would ensure the viability of a Waterfront Stadium. This is primarily what I was arguing. We wouldn't create white elephants like other nations might.

Also, almost everything being built for the rugby world cup is way ahead of schedule and under budget, that in itself is a huge feat and a job well done.

Yep, the fact things are on-time and under budget is excellent.

The legacy for Auckland will be immense, 3 new hotels at the airport, major motorway upgrades, entire streets in the city centre are being ripped up and being turned into shares spaces, Aotea Square upgrade, The Auckland Art Gallery upgrade, a brand new waterfront which will serve as the foundation for bigger things to come, train station upgrades, improvement districts have been formed for Kingsland and Eden Valley, Queen's Wharf has been reclaimed as a people friendly space, Q Theatre, the beginnings of a tram network for downtown Auckland, Civic crescent, the area around Eden Park has seen some major improvements for the people living there and lets not forget the K'Road overbridge upgrade. If it wasn't for the RWC we would probably wait for a couple of years to see all of this develop at the current rate.

Now here is where I disagree with you I'm afraid. I think a lot of these things are token efforts or efforts that would have taken place anyway. The motorways would definitely have been upgraded anyway. None of these have any direct correlation to the World Cup and are simply old plans that have existed for a long time. Motorways will, in large, not be used by tourists. Cars are difficult for tourists to hire and drive to the venue given that they like to arrive, drink, drink and drink some more then party afterwards.

The party central concept which includes the waterfront upgrade is the only major project that I can see is directly linked to the RWC and it's a great idea. I hope that the fact that Eden Park and North Harbour are miles away from the downtown venue that this won't be a detraction for the fans.

As for transport improvements, well, they're a drop in the ocean to what is required - especially when you consider cities outside of Auckland. The Kingsland upgrade is good, but our rolling stock will not be delivered in time for the RWC and so capacity on the rail network won't be high enough to support the record crowds that the final is expected to draw. We'll have to wait and see on that front. When you consider transport arrangements that sporting events of this size require in other nations, we'll just have to wait and see to judge how our infrastructure (outside Wellington and Auckland in particular) copes.

The above-mentioned projects are far more important than a stadium which will only be used for a couple hours, every other day. It is Kiwi's who will be left with a much improved city, not just during the RWC but long after that, and most important of all extra cash in their pockets. As for doing things on the cheap, bullshit, public spaces are upgraded to the highest quality using the best products they can afford. If you want to see cheap then you must go and visit South africa and make a fair comparison. We don't use ash bricks for paving, bus shelters without any decent form of seating, 80's brick landscaping, twigs/branches for barricades and concrete benches - you get top-notch quality here and it is evident in all the recent public realm upgrades.

When I mentioned doing things on the cheap, I wasn't referring to the quality of what is being done, I am referring to the scope of what is being done. Infrastructure in particular should have been invested in more heavily than it has been. In terms of Auckland, we should have our new rolling stock for Auckland, we should have more central Auckland accommodation, in Dunedin we should have more infrastructure such as extra-wide walkways to the stadium, we should have dedicated bus transit corridors to the stadium etc etc. Do you see my point? These kind of improvements are citizen-orientated, not event orientated and so I do believe they would be a legacy for the population of NZ.

Is that a bit more clear now?

You might like to disagree with the article but he is on the money (his points are valid although some of it might be outdated) ... for a little island downunder with a population of 4.3 million we can be very, very, very proud of what we have achieved thus far. I am willing to bet that most of the rugby supporters won't even notice the stadium/s, it is only people like us who are interested in architecture and we are in the minority. Who cares, let the party begin. It is going to be a huge bash for all to enjoy in style.

Again, it's not about the stadiums, it's about the whole package. I don't doubt we'll have a great atmosphere, but we don't want the experience to be diminished for tourists by having complicated and inefficient transport, poor accommodation or anything along those lines.

Snorky33

September 25th, 2010, 02:42 PM

^^True, Eden Park itself should be OK but for me my biggest worry is that small Kingsland rail station...have you checked out the size of the platforms, you could squeeze in more people on my patio.

buildemhigh

October 1st, 2010, 02:53 AM

Now here is where I disagree with you I'm afraid. I think a lot of these things are token efforts or efforts that would have taken place anyway. The motorways would definitely have been upgraded anyway. None of these have any direct correlation to the World Cup and are simply old plans that have existed for a long time. Motorways will, in large, not be used by tourists. Cars are difficult for tourists to hire and drive to the venue given that they like to arrive, drink, drink and drink some more then party afterwards.

The party central concept which includes the waterfront upgrade is the only major project that I can see is directly linked to the RWC and it's a great idea. I hope that the fact that Eden Park and North Harbour are miles away from the downtown venue that this won't be a detraction for the fans.

As for transport improvements, well, they're a drop in the ocean to what is required - especially when you consider cities outside of Auckland. The Kingsland upgrade is good, but our rolling stock will not be delivered in time for the RWC and so capacity on the rail network won't be high enough to support the record crowds that the final is expected to draw. We'll have to wait and see on that front. When you consider transport arrangements that sporting events of this size require in other nations, we'll just have to wait and see to judge how our infrastructure (outside Wellington and Auckland in particular) copes.

When I mentioned doing things on the cheap, I wasn't referring to the quality of what is being done, I am referring to the scope of what is being done. Infrastructure in particular should have been invested in more heavily than it has been. In terms of Auckland, we should have our new rolling stock for Auckland, we should have more central Auckland accommodation, in Dunedin we should have more infrastructure such as extra-wide walkways to the stadium, we should have dedicated bus transit corridors to the stadium etc etc. Do you see my point? These kind of improvements are citizen-orientated, not event orientated and so I do believe they would be a legacy for the population of NZ.

Is that a bit more clear now?

Again, it's not about the stadiums, it's about the whole package. I don't doubt we'll have a great atmosphere, but we don't want the experience to be diminished for tourists by having complicated and inefficient transport, poor accommodation or anything along those lines.

Well said, forget about the private sector (Airport building 2 Hotels) etc but in term of what is being done for the event there are things that are being brought forward that were planned anyway such as upgrades within the CBD.. It is interesting to look at Delhi in terms of the money they have ploughed in with no real way of recouping that spend.. it is purely a statement to the world, however that statement has turned into a rambling drunken wedding speech..

I think we have done ok with respect to not going mad over an event which will come and go. and lets face it the rugby populus of the world that has an interest in Rugby will know about NZ already so we arent reaching out to an audience that isnt aware of Brand NZ... Eden Park is perhaps the biggest example of an opportunity lost, there needs to be consolidation of our sporting facilities and a Central (in terms of sporting codes etc rather than location) would have made the most sense as the upkeep on the multiple stadia will no doubt be something that the Supercity looks at longterm.. Its done now so no real point going on about it.. But it would be nice to see a bit more of a focus on the event, now we have the countdown clock which is great, however I cant help but feel its in a average location (is it going to be moved across the road to Party Central once complete?)

Mr_kiwi_fruit

October 1st, 2010, 04:53 AM

Sorry for the delay Smart-metal, I forgot about this one.

Agreed too. We don't need huge stadia for there to be a successful world cup and that is not what I was saying in my post. Our stadiums are fine and not once did I knock them in my post. We do, however, have the capacity in Auckland to relocate our main stadium from Eden Park to an iconic Waterfront Stadium as we have an established rugby league both for Union and League. This, combined with other events held at stadiums such as cricket, concerts etc would ensure the viability of a Waterfront Stadium. This is primarily what I was arguing. We wouldn't create white elephants like other nations might.

Agreed but we all know that it will not happen. One day we might look back and say thank God that it wasn't allowed to be built,but then again we may look back and regret it ;)

Now here is where I disagree with you I'm afraid. I think a lot of these things are token efforts or efforts that would have taken place anyway. The motorways would definitely have been upgraded anyway. None of these have any direct correlation to the World Cup and are simply old plans that have existed for a long time. Motorways will, in large, not be used by tourists. Cars are difficult for tourists to hire and drive to the venue given that they like to arrive, drink, drink and drink some more then party afterwards.

The party central concept which includes the waterfront upgrade is the only major project that I can see is directly linked to the RWC and it's a great idea. I hope that the fact that Eden Park and North Harbour are miles away from the downtown venue that this won't be a detraction for the fans.

As for transport improvements, well, they're a drop in the ocean to what is required - especially when you consider cities outside of Auckland. The Kingsland upgrade is good, but our rolling stock will not be delivered in time for the RWC and so capacity on the rail network won't be high enough to support the record crowds that the final is expected to draw. We'll have to wait and see on that front. When you consider transport arrangements that sporting events of this size require in other nations, we'll just have to wait and see to judge how our infrastructure (outside Wellington and Auckland in particular) copes.

When I mentioned doing things on the cheap, I wasn't referring to the quality of what is being done, I am referring to the scope of what is being done. Infrastructure in particular should have been invested in more heavily than it has been. In terms of Auckland, we should have our new rolling stock for Auckland, we should have more central Auckland accommodation, in Dunedin we should have more infrastructure such as extra-wide walkways to the stadium, we should have dedicated bus transit corridors to the stadium etc etc. Do you see my point? These kind of improvements are citizen-orientated, not event orientated and so I do believe they would be a legacy for the population of NZ.

I agree and disagree, there is no denying that certain upgrades were planned but I firmly believe that most were fast tracked to be completed in time for the RWC 2011. Some plans were shelved while other projects were proposed for the RWC 2011, for example, Albert and Victoria Streets were shelved so that they could instead focus on streets that lead off our main street i.e. Queens Street. We would have had to wait until after 2014 for the streets to be upgraded but because of the RWC 2011 they decided to fast track Elliott Street etc. It makes far more sense to delay Albert and Victoria Streets to focus on the inner core. Federal Street was never planned but because of the RWC, SkyCity have asked for this to be fast tracked.

Kingsland train station could be much better but the area has received a major facelift with new connections, landscaping etc. This is all thanks to the RWC 2011. The streets will also be closed off for the games and because of that there is no need to build elevated causeways etc. I am sure that they will do the same in the other cities. More could have been done but I still think that it is a great effort within the means of New Zealand, especially now that we have had so many natural disasters where the money is needed.

Is that a bit more clear now?

You will always be heard, if not you will make sure that you are heard :lol:

Again, it's not about the stadiums, it's about the whole package. I don't doubt we'll have a great atmosphere, but we don't want the experience to be diminished for tourists by having complicated and inefficient transport, poor accommodation or anything along those lines.

I wouldn't be too concerned about that, most will be too drunk to notice, also, many hotels have had makeovers/upgrades. Let's wait and see, I am sure that there will be some hiccups but there is no major event that is without any.

darkhorse09

October 2nd, 2010, 01:12 AM

i think stadiums do matter when hosting the 3rd most watched event in the world. people are paying hugh amounts of money just to watch the semi and finals.

SYDNEY

October 2nd, 2010, 03:20 PM

[AOTEA SQUARE] opened today, in time for the RWC 2011.

The first phase of Aotea Square's refurbishment was officially revealed today, the second phase will include the installation of a big screen and art works which will be on display during the RWC 2011.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5043574305_32e10fcaa7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5043574305/)
AOTEA SQUARE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5043574305/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5043573683_9e57a96628_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5043573683/)
AOTEA SQUARE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5043573683/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5044196152_96d6531b25_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5044196152/)
AOTEA SQUARE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5044196152/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5044198876_974cd3d039_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5044198876/)
AOTEA SQUARE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5044198876/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5043573019_b6b3e97ce1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5043573019/)
AOTEA SQUARE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5043573019/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5044195378_fbe2725162_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5044195378/)
AOTEA SQUARE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5044195378/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

GoluBoy

February 12th, 2011, 09:17 AM

According to the factsheet http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/documents/The_Cloud_fact_sheet.pdf we have the white cloud underway in Feb 2011. :bash:

But wait.Lets invisage a large covered space occupying a wharf, with a raised walkway presenting a model advertising summer wear.

http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/images/queens-wharf-5.jpg

http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/queens-wharf

I love N.Z :hilarious

ebar86

February 12th, 2011, 01:54 PM

where to buy online-ticket?
any suggestion?

nthbeach

March 12th, 2011, 08:58 AM

NZ Hearld suggesting all Chch RWC games would go to Auckland. All speculation at this stage but if Chch does miss out, I would like to Dunedin get some more games and maybe Nelson too, QFs would have to go to Auckland or Wellington, slim change for Dunedin. Is FBS even confirmed yet as Dunedin's venue?

http://msn.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10711835&ref=rss

whkfan

March 12th, 2011, 10:54 AM

I think in the end all the christchurch games will go to Auckland for logistical and commercial reasons.Would love NZ's flagship stadiums FSB and the Cake tin to at least get some of those games. Hamilton cant complain as the city's ground is not big enough.the Hamilton city council is cutting on spending big time so i cant see them making any upgrades or replacing that ugly stand on the otherside of the new one in the next few years.

Richard7666

March 13th, 2011, 12:44 AM

Pool games should go to Tauranga or perhaps Queenstown, both of which missed out completely. I don't recall which teams Chch was hosting..perhaps the aforementioned would be too small?

Also looking at matches, Palmerston North, Nelson and Rotorua definately drew the short straws. Napier did pretty well, scoring a France game.

Shayno

March 13th, 2011, 11:59 AM

Christchurch had pool games with Australia, Russia and England from memory.

GoluBoy

March 14th, 2011, 08:31 AM

nthbeach

March 14th, 2011, 11:19 AM

I'd like to see pool games transfer from AMI to Forsyth Barr.

Do the people of Christchurch deserve the inconvenience of having to travel to the North Island,if said games are not hosted in Dunedin?.

Yeah fair point, if Chch loses its games, the people of Chch deserve fair access to games, Dunedin would probably best choice.

Richard7666

March 15th, 2011, 01:32 AM

Moving at least the Argentina v Scotland game to Invercargill has been mooted I read today.

nthbeach

March 15th, 2011, 02:21 AM

That would be a huge game for Invercargill. What other games do they have?

Richard7666

March 15th, 2011, 09:33 AM

Invercargill has

Scotland v Romania
Argentina v Romania

so you can see where the idea came from.

For reference, the games up for grabs in the event Christchurch lost them would be:

Argentina v England
England v Georgia
Argentina v Scotland
Australia v Italy
Australia v Russia
Quarter Final 1
Quarter Final 2

KLK

March 15th, 2011, 11:27 AM

I can't see the big 3 pool games - Eng/Arg, Arg/Sco and Aus/Ita going anywhere with a capacity less than 30,000. So FBS (at a tick over that mark) would be the big winner, perhaps picking up two, and Wellington the other.

And the more I think of it, I can't see Invercargill or Nelson picking up matches where England or Australia play, given the potential number of supporters involved - the capacities are too small. So that would mean no additional games for them.

The Q/Fs are interesting. I think QF1 will go to Dunedin - its most likely the ABs Q/F and would be the only chance they have to play in the SI the whole tournmanent.

The second Q/F looks like being Eng v Fra. both teams look like they will be based in Auckland (Eng to relocate from ChCh apparently) so it makes sense to have the game up there. And that match will draw a huge crowd.

Richard7666

March 15th, 2011, 11:57 AM

http://www.suite101.com/content/rugby-world-cup-games-tipped-for-auckland-a358908

Not gonna happen. Even in Dunedin. Looks like they're all going to Auckland.

Pity as I think Queenstown (which has none but is the tourism jewel in our crown) or any of the cities mentioned previously could easily cope with a Major v Minnow game at least.

IHaveNoLegs

March 16th, 2011, 03:07 AM

Queenstown would be a great venue if it actually had a rugby ground. I would like to see most of these games go to Dunedin but I suspect that it will mostly go to Auckland.

Mr_kiwi_fruit

March 16th, 2011, 05:19 AM

Christchurch loses all RWC games
NZ HERALD
3:09 PM Wednesday Mar 16, 2011

Christchurch has been stripped of its seven Rugby World Cup matches due to damage at AMI Stadium following last month's earthquake. AMI Stadium was set to host five group matches and two quarterfinals during the World Cup which runs through September and October. However Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully announced today that the games will have to be moved to other venues around the country. Auckland will now host the two quarterfinal matches while the other venues are yet to be named.

Australia, England and Argentina were all set to play twice at AMI Stadium while the fourth quarterfinal would mostly feature the All Blacks if they finished top of Group A. The Crusaders, who use AMI Stadium as their home venue for the Super 15, have already moved two 'home' fixtures to Nelson this season and plan to play their next two against the Sharks and Bulls in London and Timaru respectively.

Matches scheduled for Christchurch:

Saturday September 10 - Argentina v England
Sunday September 11 - Australia v Italy
Sunday September 18 - England v Georgia
Sunday September 25 - Argentina v Scotland
Sunday October 1 - Australia v Russia

Saturday October 8 - Quarterfinal 2
Sunday October 9 - Quarterfinal 4

International Rugby Board (IRB) representatives met in Christchurch today. Cabinet minister Steven Joyce said IRB officials wanted to be as fair as they can in making the decision - which is why they are talking to the Government about it. "They want to make a decision with everyone around the table coming to the same decision if at all possible," he told Newstalk ZB's Mike Hosking. Christchurch had been set to host two quarterfinals and five group-stage games, but damage from the February 22 earthquake has called that into question.

The IRB had the final say on whether the scheduled games will go ahead. Before the announcement, international reports have said the IRB had already decided to rule out Christchurch as an option. A senior International Rugby Board source told Britain's Daily Telegraph an engineers' structural report of AMI Stadium, due to be published this week, was expected to be "bleak", and the city would lose its hosting rights. The Telegraph website reported the stadium had sustained not only serious liquefaction to the pitch, but said the engineer's report would confirm structural damage to the stands.

The Telegraph also reported the English rugby team, who were to be staying at the damaged Crowne Plaza hotel, are now likely to be based in Auckland for the tournament, which begins in September.

KLK

March 16th, 2011, 05:24 AM

So the ABs won't play a single game in the South Island...

FBS will be the big winner, picking up the bigger pool clashes - Arg v Eng, Arg v Sco and Aus v Italy. Although while it says all 5 games will stay in the SI, perhaps one of those bigger clashes will move to Wellington.

Nelson and Invercargill to grab another one each.

KiwiGuy

March 16th, 2011, 05:51 AM

We're already hosting the Italian team and a Russian match already. Perhaps another Russian match might come our way as well.

KLK

March 16th, 2011, 05:56 AM

Richard7666

March 17th, 2011, 07:27 AM

Would Argentina v Scotland be smaller than Aus v Russia or England v Georgia?

KiwiGuy

March 17th, 2011, 08:35 AM

The problem is that the "smaller" games involve Australia (v Russia) and England (v Georgia).

Those two teams will each easily have 10,000 supporters with/wanting tickets. That means they would practically fill out Trafalgar alone, before we talk of locals and even the opposition fans.

But how many Nelsonians would want to watch Russia vs someone else? That's the question. Personally, I don't think it would matter that much. Nelson in concentrating on milking as much spending money from the increased tourism as possible.

KiwiGuy

March 17th, 2011, 11:46 AM

For those who think Nelson isn't capable of hosting more than two games:

City Confident It Can Take Extra Visitors

http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/4779075/City-can-take-extra-visitors

Nelson tourism accommodation providers are confident they can cope with extra Rugby World Cup game visitors.

New Zealand Motel Association Nelson administration officer John Gilbertson said any extra games would benefit Nelson's economy by bringing more people into the region.

The region's commercial accommodation providers could meet the demand for beds, as long as they used their existing room stock efficiently.

Providers had to make sure bookings were made for people definitely attending the games.

"We cannot afford to book rooms on a promise.

"There are still a heap of rooms available, but we do not know how many routine local clients will be displaced by the out-of-towners coming in."

Nelson Tasman Tourism chief executive Linda Keene said extra RWC games would create a "second high season"' for the region's operators. To date it was estimated the current scheduled games for Nelson would bring in between 5000 and 10,000 rugby followers, she said.

Operators could easily cater for the additional demand because the games fell outside the traditional summer tourist peak, she said.

About 2000 tourists a day circulated through the region during the usual summer peak, she said.

Additional games would also strengthen the region's profile and introduce it to a wider audience of rugby supporters, especially if Nelson scored one of the RWC's more prominent fixtures, she said.

UglyBob

March 19th, 2011, 11:05 PM

Dunedin to be English base with Georgia and Argentina games; Invercargill to get Scotland v Georgia off Dunedin; Australia v Russia in Nelson; Australia v Italy at North Harbour and Scotland v Argentina at Westpac.

If correct there'll be disappointment in Invercargill (who had high hopes for Scotland v Argentina) and Dunedin will be praying that the English team still attracts plenty of the Barmy Army.

Dunedin new cup base for England
Sunday News 20 March 2011

England are set to base themselves in Dunedin for the Rugby World Cup, rather than Auckland.

Rugby World Cup sources have revealed to Sunday News the intended venues for the five games to be moved from Christchurch because of the earthquake.

World Cup organisers are still working through a few logistic issues before venues are locked in, but once all the boxes are ticked, it will be confirmed that England will play Argentina and Georgia in Dunedin, Argentina will play Scotland in Wellington and Australia's two affected games mean they'll now be playing Italy at North Harbour Stadium and Russia in Nelson.

There is expected to be one further change to the schedule with Scotland v Georgia being moved from Dunedin to Invercargill.

Taking Scotland out of Dunedin is sure to disappoint some, considering the city's strong connections to the country. But with the number of games in Dunedin going from three to four, including the huge England v Argentina match, there won't be too many arguments.

It has already been announced that both of Christchurch's quarterfinals will move to Auckland to take advantage of the 60,000 seat capacity of the revamped Eden park.

There was considerable expectation that England's games planned for Christchurch would end up in Auckland too, especially when considering the large numbers of their supporters who will need to find accommodation.

Tournament organisers suggest as many as 15,000 England fans could be in New Zealand for the tournament. They will bring with them a huge financial windfall for any region they visit.

The news of this revamped schedule will come as a disappointment to those in Hamilton. The Waikato Rugby Union were desperate for more fixtures to help out with the chronic financial position it finds itself in.

The proposed changes have been circulated to the affected teams.

Confirmation of the new schedule is expected within the next 10 days.

The World Cup kicks off at Eden Park on September 9 when the All Blacks play Tonga.

Damage to AMI Stadium and a lack of infrastructure in earthquake-ravaged Christchurch resulted in the city losing its seven scheduled games. The IRB made the announcement in Christchurch last Wednesday.

KiwiGuy

March 20th, 2011, 04:46 AM

Fewer Tickets for Cup Games
http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/news/4787740/Fewer-tickets-for-Cup-games

Ticket numbers for Nelson's Rugby World Cup games have been cut by 2000 to 18,000.

Nelson City Council spokeswoman Angela Ricker said the reduction was to provide more space at Trafalgar Park for food stalls and large television screens, and more room for people to move around.

She said the move would reduce the number of cheaper category two tickets available, but would not affect other types.

An up-to-date figure for the number of tickets remaining was not available, but Ms Ricker advised people who were thinking of going to the games to get in early to avoid missing out.

The council's Game On Festival has expanded over the past month, adding a "Rugby in our Region" window display by the Nelson Provincial Museum, which will show historic images of the game along with a small exhibition inside. Applications to hold events as part of the festival close on April 1. Ms Ricker said 10 applications were pending.

Take note of the new capacity revision number - 18,000

IHaveNoLegs

March 20th, 2011, 08:22 AM

Interesting because the world cup site has always listed Trafalgar Parks capacity as 18,000.

Richard7666

March 30th, 2011, 08:54 AM

Confirmed,

Dunedin to get England vs Argentina
Nelson to get Australia vs Russia
Invercargill to get Scotland vs Georgia
North Harbour to get Australia vs Italy
Wellington to get Scotland vs Argentina

UglyBob

March 30th, 2011, 09:09 AM

KiwiGuy

March 30th, 2011, 10:48 AM

So that makes it two Italian and two Russian games now? Australia vs Russia game's going to bring a shitload of publicity and money, no doubt.

Richard7666

March 31st, 2011, 02:52 PM

Nelson only has the 3 games but I assume one of them must be Italy vs Russia

bosshp

June 5th, 2011, 12:39 AM

Svartmetall

June 7th, 2011, 03:33 PM

Erk, I'm not sure I'd want to be in Dunedin with England vs. Argentina. Tends to get a little heated. Still, fantastic opportunity for Dunedin, I just hope that the fans don't wreck it.

Richard7666

June 8th, 2011, 05:17 PM

They're well versed in handling riots.

adeaide

June 25th, 2011, 01:35 PM

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/37445_436432777173_116276232173_5653175_678693_n.jpg

http://rugby.adventureworld.com.au/Assets/30/1/matchVenues.jpg

It seems that matches at Ami Stadium will not be held due to earthquake in Christchurch.

Richard7666

June 26th, 2011, 11:45 AM

Graphic is out of date.

nthbeach

July 16th, 2011, 09:04 AM

Good to see ITM Cup back and see how the regional stadiums are shaping up. Watched some of the game from Invercargill last night, and felt not so good, nothing done, didn't see any temp seating, and that old scoreboard, come on Southland.
On the other hand Palmy was looking pretty good, so did Nelson with all its temp seating in Super semi-final.
Looking forward to seeing Okara Park, (forgot its name) Whangarei tonight.

nthbeach

July 16th, 2011, 09:07 AM

Oh yeah and Dunedin is looking like a 5 star real stunner.

Richard7666

July 16th, 2011, 01:47 PM

Rugby Park is a disgrace. There's a rusty old corrugated iron fence round the outside of it you don't see on Tv too, that's the worst thing.

KLK

July 16th, 2011, 02:01 PM

On the other hand Palmy was looking pretty good.

Palmy isn't even in RWC mode yet - thats what it always looks like.

I imagine for RWC they will have the temporary "corporate boxes" along the top of the embankment side (that the TV cameras face). Gives it a real festive atmosphere.

Its practically an all seater - except for a small gap in the corner used to get the speedway cars in/out - which is rare in NZ. I can only think of Eden Park, Mt Smart, The Cake Tin, AMI, Dunedin and Mt Manganui.

nthbeach

July 22nd, 2011, 02:04 PM

This guy is keen

Rugby World Cup packages 'charging $6000 for bus fares'
By MSN NZ

Sports fans are livid after purchasing $7000 "travel packages" to the final four Rugby World Cup matches that affectively charges $5891 worth of bus rides between SkyCity and Eden Park.

A man who bought the package through House of Travel said it was an "absolute rip", the New Zealand Herald reports.

The package cost him $6735, but the man's tickets to the two semifinals, the bronze final and the grand final are Category C, the second-cheapest seating category.

Combined, the Eden Park matches would have cost a total of $844.

The remainder of the package is its travel component - "return coach transfers from central Auckland city to Eden Park".

The man told the NZ Herald he didn’t want to miss out on tickets, so bought them as early as possible.

"But we've been stuck behind the posts [for the Category C seats]. With the actual cost of the tickets, what they've given us is a $6000 bus ride."

House of Travel retail director Brent Thomas said the premium was not for the bus transport but for the guarantee of a seat at the final and semifinals.

Tickets can be bought online at www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.

http://sport.msn.co.nz/article/8275992/rugby-world-cup-packages-charging-6000-for-bus-fares

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:17 AM

Cup Visitors to Get Digital Lowdown on Central Auckland
SCOOP
Thursday, 28 July 2011, 2:35 pm

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2521/4140510292_629762af82_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/4140510292/)

Skyline and friend (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/4140510292/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

World Cup visitors can now get their very own digital guide to the local ‘hood’ thanks to a new city guide, compiled by a Who’s Who of fashion, food, art, shopping and fun in downtown Auckland. The Insiders’ Guide to Downtown Auckland enables out-of-town visitors, footy fans and their travelling companions to experience the locals’ favourite haunts and hideaways and enjoy what central Auckland has to offer beyond the rugby field. The guide is available now in digital format as a FREE downloadable iPhone, iPad, Android App or online ebook. For the less tech-savvy it will also be available in a pocket-sized collector’s booklet in late August, when thousands of rugby fans from all over the world and New Zealand descend on Auckland.

The easy to use app makes it effortless for overseas visitors and out-of-towners to navigate to and from inner city hotspots – without incurring unwanted roaming charges. Users can search or 'explore' for content by 'map view' or by 'neighbourhoods' and find Insiders picks, tips and hidden city secrets. The app features more than 400 references, and detailed maps covering six must-visit downtown Auckland neighbourhoods. The Insiders – foodie Ray McVinnie, architect Nat Cheshire, photographer Karen Inderbitzen-Waller, stylist Atip Wananaruks, arts critic Hamish Keith and hospitality expert Poi Eruera – offer their picks and secrets of their favourite bars, cafes, designer boutiques, art galleries and local restaurants and eateries.

Heart of the City CEO Alex Swney says the inner city area hosts a great mix of experiences that are often ‘off the beaten track’ and wants visitors to explore more than just Queen Street and the Queens Wharf fan zone. “The Insiders’ Guide to Downtown Auckland concept is based on the principle that often the best things you experience in an unfamiliar city are those that have been recommended to you by someone who lives locally,” he says. “To make things easier for out-of-towners, the Guide divides the CBD into six districts – each with its own unique flavour – and spills the ‘what’s hot’ secrets of the locals who know this city like the back of their hand.” Alex Swney believes the guide will be a useful navigation and social tool for international and domestic visitors and locals alike.

“Come Rugby World Cup time, all Aucklanders will be asked to play tour guide at some point. Now there’s a handy prompt to help visiting friends, family or strangers make the most out of their stay – and Aucklanders might even learn some new secrets themselves.” Visiting fans can now download the free App by visiting www.biglittlecity.co.nz/InsidersGuide. Once downloaded, the App can be used anywhere without requiring a data connection, meaning it’s the ultimate no-fuss pocket guide. For those who do need to download the app whilst on the move, enhanced Wi-Fi coverage is available in the central city throughout the entire length of Queen St, Britomart, Queens Wharf, Aotea Square, North Wharf and Viaduct Harbour. A sign up is required. There are also a large number of businesses in the city with Wi-Fi access – many offer this free with a purchase.

A collector’s pocket-sized hard copy of the book will be available from August, distributed throughout downtown Auckland at various locations including retail stores, hotels, transport hubs and visitor attractions. To find out more, or to download the Insiders’ Guide to Downtown Auckland App, visit: www.biglittlecity.co.nz/InsidersGuide/

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:19 AM

'Psychic calf' McCow becomes world star
NZ HERALD
5:30 AM Monday Jul 18, 2011

http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201130/SCCZEN_130711SPLallblack03_460x230.JPG

Maungaturoto has never had a celebrity like it - Richie McCow's fame has extended far beyond his Northland paddock after world media picked up the story of the "psychic" calf. The Telegraph newspaper in Britain reported Richie was to "follow in the tentacles" of Paul the Octopus during this year's Rugby World Cup. Richie also made headlines in India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Australia, France, Jamaica, and Taiwan. Newspapers ranging from the Borneo Post, the Whitsunday Times, and the Caribbean Herald reported the story. Last week, the calf was hailed by his owners as an omen after being born all black except for a white mark on its forehead - which looks like a silver fern.

The Herald will put that apparently special nature to the test by presenting the calf with two containers of food prior to the All Blacks' matches. One container will be marked with a New Zealand flag, the other with the flag of the All Blacks' opposition. A German octopus called Paul gained worldwide fame during the 2010 Fifa World Cup by correctly calling the outcome of eight football matches. Paul died in October of natural causes, but had received death threats from enraged fans of the teams it correctly predicted to lose. Richie will be under even more pressure - his owner Kyle Underwood, 21, told the Herald he faced the freezing works if the All Blacks exited the Cup early.

While that threat was included in most international reports, the Daily India website chose to omit it - perhaps because of the sacred position of cattle in Hinduism. Richie has been invited to be the star attraction of next month's Auckland Pet & Animal Expo, following in the paw prints of last year's drawcard, the winner of New Zealand's Next Top Cat Model. And Mr Underwood has fielded an offer of luxury bedding for Richie from 'Bonnie the Cow', suppliers of premium animal bedding to the dairy farming sector. Mr Underwood has started a Support Richie McCow Facebook page to manage his calf's growing fame.

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:20 AM

Auckland's 10-hour opening party
NZ HERALD
5:30 AM Thursday Aug 4, 2011

http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201132/SCCZEN_Fireworks_460x230.JPG

The Rugby World Cup will open with a bang as Auckland turns on a huge 12-minute fireworks show to mark the the start of the tournament. Details of the city's plans for the big day - on September 9 - were revealed yesterday. Auckland Mayor Len Brown told the Herald exclusively that the 10-hour opening night programme would span the Viaduct Harbour and Quay St to Queens Wharf. It would be "the party to begin all parties", but would also be family-friendly, the Mayor said. The programme begins at 4pm when 20 carved waka each carrying 30 people will paddle into the Viaduct Harbour. Dave Dobbyn will serenade the return of the rugby tournament to New Zealand by singing Welcome Home.

A mass haka by the 600 waka paddlers will be followed by an 80-minute concert by the Finn Brothers on Queens Wharf. "We will open Rugby World Cup 2011 in an unforgettable way, to make it the greatest-ever World Cup," Mr Brown said. Big screens will line the waterfront area to show what is going on in other places, including Eden Park. A 20-minute opening ceremony at Eden Park will lead up to the main spectacle - the 12-minute fireworks and lighting show. Organisers said it would be New Zealand's biggest pyrotechnics display, and landmarks and tall buildings around Auckland would be used for lighting displays.

Most of the World Cup television coverage would be focused on rugby pitches, and the 12-minute window was a unique chance to showcase Auckland to the world, they said. "In this very short space of time, we will be introducing ourselves as a true international city," Mr Brown said. "We're going to do the country and Auckland proud." It was a segment he was particularly looking forward to, he said. "Like any Kiwi, I like that. There's something about us - we like the flames." The opening whistle would also be poignant, Mr Brown said. "That's going to be the culmination of the hard work of a lot of people, going back to Helen Clark and Tana Umaga and the pitch they put up against all the odds to get this."

Organisers said people should arrive early to the waterfront because only 50,000 would be allowed into the celebrations. Dane Rumble and Midnight Youth will feature in post-match entertainment, finishing about 2am. Up to 2000 volunteers and staff will be helping to run the World Cup programme. Organisers saying anyone going to the opening game at Eden Park, kicking off at 8.30pm, should skip the waterfront celebrations and go directly to the stadium. Mr Brown said the World Cup programme, particularly closing off Quay St for pedestrians, would become a blueprint for future events and for the waterfront. "The greatest legacy of the Rugby World Cup is to return our waterfront to our community as a place where you socialise," he said.

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:20 AM

Posted in the International Forum ....

It is a very exciting time for us in Auckland. Our city has been transformed and is already starting to feel like a different city. One by one areas are starting to open up and will leave the city with a legacy that forms the foundation of better things to come.

AOTEA SQUARE (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=64670537&postcount=104) and EDEN PARK STADIUM (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=65092997&postcount=112) opened in October up last year. The Auckland Airport is finished and the new 13 storey HOTEL (http://eyeonauckland.com/2011/05/super-styling/) recently opened for business.

On the 6th of August our new waterfront opens up - complete with new boulevards, heritage trams which will later be converted to light rail so that the new office workers and residents can travel into the city centre, an indoor events centre, a new pedestrian/cycle bridge which connects the city centre with the waterfront and a new park (I have been able to get a sneak peek, pics below). On the same day is the grand opening of a new motorway which will help alleviate some of the traffic.

21 August sees the launch of our new buses and bus routes which are set to change the way we travel around Auckland. Integrated ticketing was launched a few months back and is proving to be a huge success.

3 September is the unveiling of our new world class ART GALLERY (http://eyeonauckland.com/2011/06/temple-for-the-arts/) which will be followed by QUEEN'S WHARF (http://eyeonauckland.com/2011/05/fit-for-a-queen/) aka Party Central.

The downtown area is being transformed - many streets are becoming shared spaces which will make Auckland a more pedestrian friendly city and at the same time we are striving to become the world's most liveable city as well. It is going to great to not have to live in a construction zone any more and we look forward to welcoming the World :cheers:

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5995957825_54ff012bb7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995957825/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995957825/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5996514644_07248d2fac_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5996514644/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5996514644/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5995960287_a44cd2f09e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995960287/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995960287/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5995961613_f1b31076f2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995961613/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995961613/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6126/5995963079_ffe2290444_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995963079/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995963079/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

The TRAM SHED .....

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5995965541_705677d07f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995965541/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995965541/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5996522696_7cd36bd7ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5996522696/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5996522696/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5995967625_14497e2676_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995967625/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5995967625/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5996523842_f4d6fdd243_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5996523842/)

31 JUL 11 15 °C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/5996523842/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:21 AM

We want this World Cup to be as much for children as for adults, therefore we have created a park in the new waterfront called SILO PARK. The 6 pack Silo's will later be incorporated into a new building and the single silo will be used for outdoor movies, wall climbing, a viewing deck and a cafe. Please remember that there is still some work going on there and this isn't the finished product :) Enjoy the pics ....

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/6007487193_4b07eefa73_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6007487193/)

04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6007487193/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008032668/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008032918/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6007488121/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008033906/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008034300/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6007489165/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008034870/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008035052/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008035292/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008035602/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6007490535/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008035938/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C SILO PARK (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6008129262/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:21 AM

Continued from previous page ....... JELLICOE STREET forms the main spine of the project and this is where the tram will run. A new office building is being constructed here and this is where you will find Auckland's Fish Market. NORTH WHARF will be lined with cafes, restaurants and bars where you can watch the fishermen off-load their catch of the day.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/6009849822_7150ae7501_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009849822/)

04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009849822/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009301403/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009851122/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009302423/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009302723/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009303271/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009303889/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009853556/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009304659/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009305313/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:22 AM

THE VIADUCT EVENTS CENTRE is our new indoor exhibition centre and will provide visitors with a viewing deck across the Waitemata Harbour and the city skyline. KARANGA PLAZA (which means to welcome) is the arrival point from the city centre. Here you will find an information kiosk, tidal steps that lead down into the water, the Wynyard Crossing cycle and pedestrian bridge and a 5 star hotel is planned for the site.

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009854370/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009855006/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009306027/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009855734/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009307067/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009307445/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009307721/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009308055/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009857768/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009858446/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009310481/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009860188/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009861210/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009862116/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009863192/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009314341/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:22 AM

WYNYARD CROSSING will effectively link the city centre, the East Waterfront (which was constructed for the America's Cup) and the new West Waterfront. The plan is to extend the tram line across a new bridge and into the city centre.

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009858824/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009311331/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009311707/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009861562/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009313309/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009315019/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009315369/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009864826/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009315927/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009865706/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009317129/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009317421/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009318261/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 01:23 AM

TE WERO ISLAND used to be a huge parking lot but parts of it have been reclaimed for pedestrians. This will be the main thoroughfare between Queen's Wharf (Party Central) and the new waterfront.

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009866908/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009317937/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009318797/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009868266/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009319623/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009320215/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009320497/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

Davee

August 5th, 2011, 11:23 AM

Very nice - thanks for the update Sydney x

SYDNEY

August 5th, 2011, 11:28 AM

Very nice - thanks for the update Sydney x

You are most welcome hun, you won't recognise the city when you return one day, it feels foreign to me ;) Have a great weekend sweet-pea :cheers:

GanEden

August 5th, 2011, 11:37 AM

Seeing as Rugby League has been ignored here, might as well post this then!

qeRcBJCXvvU

TOCC

August 5th, 2011, 03:08 PM

Seeing as Rugby League has been ignored here, might as well post this then!

^^im with stupid^^

maybe because its a rugby union thread lol...

SYDNEY

August 6th, 2011, 12:39 PM

Work is progressing rapidly at Party Central (Queen's Wharf) and the "cloud" is becoming a landmark loved by many. This will be the hub during the RWC 2011 where lots of schmoozing and business deals will be made. Queen's EWharf is located next door to the Downtown Ferry Terminal and across the road from the underground Britomart Train Station. I personally can't wait to explore the area when it is complete.

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/6014174584_90027fcf48_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014174584/)

06 AUG 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014174584/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/6014174764_6730afd9c6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014174764/)

06 AUG 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014174764/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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06 AUG 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014175146/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 6th, 2011, 12:52 PM

This is going to be one classy World Cup - as areas are completed, banners are starting to pop up ....

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/6014204704_08deae126c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014204704/)

06 AUG 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014204704/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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06 AUG 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6014204892/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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06 AUG 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6013656779/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 8th, 2011, 12:42 AM

Eden Park scores big at its biggest test before the RWC 2011
NZ HERALD
5:30 AM Monday Aug 8, 2011

XTTMq3qo_pQ&feature

The Rugby World Cup will turn up the excitement at Eden Park another notch from the weekend's All Black spectacle. Tournament boss Martin Snedden and former All Blacks praised the stadium's atmosphere and delivery on Saturday night, when New Zealand beat Australia 30-14. "I woke up this morning and thought, 'That was exactly what I had hoped for'," Mr Snedden said yesterday. The temporary stands set up on the east and west sides of Eden Park turned the stadium into a bowl buzzing with a "special feeling".

"Overall, it performed probably better than my expectations," he said. "I'm not a fan of the Mexican wave, but to see it ripple up the tracks on both ends was really interesting." For the World Cup, there will be extra tournament branding around the stadium and the field will be free of sponsors' markings. A further 300 volunteers and extra signs will help to guide spectators and the stadium entertainment will be turned up a notch. "If you put all of these things together, and you add the fact that the next game will be a Rugby World Cup match - which in itself will create that special feeling - it's pretty encouraging," Mr Snedden said.

Former All Black Alan Whetton said after watching the game he believed Eden Park was ready. "I think it worked very well last night, and I think a lot of people will be very happy with the facilities there. "[There were] no problems, good service, good atmosphere, a pretty big crowd. I parked the car and walked to the game, and had no problem getting in or getting out. I thought it went pretty smoothly." Whetton - who was given his All Black cap with twin Gary at a ceremony on Friday night - said the temporary stands and extra capacity would make a real difference to the atmosphere at the knockout tournament games.

The former test forward said Eden Park was a fitting World Cup venue given New Zealand's size and the resources available. "Where else are we going to go? A majority of the World Cup games are going to be at Eden Park. Sixty thousand people. Just enjoy the event and what we've got." Former All Black Josh Kronfeld had tickets right on the halfway line in the ASB Stand and said the extra capacity made a real difference. "There's a mass of people. You definitely know that it's twice the size of what it was ... I thought it had a good atmosphere to be our number one stadium.

"It seemed like everyone got into their seating really easily. I've been in other stadiums where you can walk around and around and not find your gate." While service and facilities compared favourably with international stadiums, Kronfeld said the major drawback of Eden Park was spectators could feel a long way from the action.

SYDNEY

August 8th, 2011, 01:50 AM

Open Day - Wynyard Quarter | Waterfront

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SYDNEY

August 8th, 2011, 03:42 AM

RWC 2011 | Seeing the best of Auckland by public transport

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For many Aucklanders, the Rugby World Cup is going to mean visitors descending on a couch near you. Whether it be rugby-mad Uncle Hector from Britain deciding now is a great time to visit New Zealand, or the whole clan from Timaru coming up to check out the action in the big smoke, entertainment will be required. As anyone who's ever had houseguests knows, it can be exhausting ferrying them around the sights. To help you out, we've tried out a few trips they can do on their own on public transport, easing the load on all involved (guests like a bit of freedom too!). The kids thought it was excellent fun being freed from their carseat shackles and getting on to trains and buses. It gave us a really different perspective too - a bit more "enjoy the ride" than look-straight-ahead-and-concentrate-on-your-lane. What a nice change. If you're not a public transport user and you're trying to send your family or friends off on a jaunt, maxx.co.nz needs to become your best friend. The trips we've featured are guides only, so please use the Journey Planner tool on this site to check for the most up-to-date information. For return journeys there is a button at the bottom of your search results which will show you how to get back to the CBD.

Hot pool heaven

Waiwera Thermal Resort is always a lovely family day out. Your guests can have a splash with the kids, soak in the hot mineral pools, have a spa treatment or watch a movie in the undercover pool. Buses leave from 13 Albert St in the city. Take the 895 North Star bus.

Get back to nature

If your visitors have done too much indulging over the Rugby World Cup, they might be up for a scenic walk. Tahuna Torea Nature Reserve is 25 hectares of unique wildlife on a long sandbank with three trails varying from 40 minutes to an hour-and-a-half (to see the whole area). It's perfect for viewing native flora and birdlife. Take the 767 or 769 Metrolink bus from Britomart to Riddell Rd, walk through Glendowie Park to Tamaki Estuary and then south along the waterfront to the reserve. After the walk, head south along the waterfront to Pt England and into Glen Innes where the train and bus options are many for getting back to the city.

Facts, flowers and French-ness

It's not far out of the city by public transport but Parnell will provide your guests with a wealth of choice. There's a green inner LINK bus that goes from Customs St East (opposite Fort Lane). Or from August 21 catch the new amber outer LINK bus (see box at right) from Wellesley St. Both go to the top of Parnell Rd and from there you have several options. Take a 15-minute walk to the fascinating Auckland Museum and Domain; walk to St Georges Bay Rd and head down the hill to La Cigale; or take the 703 bus from 16 St Stephens Ave to the Rose Gardens (or you can walk). La Cigale is a French shop which has a lively market on Saturday or Sunday mornings and the Rose Gardens has stunning views of the harbour. If none of those take your fancy you can just meander back down Parnell Rd past the Chocolate Boutique (try the Italian Denzo hot chocolate) and through the village.

Don't miss the lanes off the main street, where you can check out the art galleries, restaurants and boutiquey shops.

Fluttery friends

If the kids love animals you might want to take the Airbus Express from Queen St, near Tyler St, to the airport. Or take the train to Papatoetoe and then take the 380 Airporter bus which stops at Butterfly Creek. You can see the butterfly enclosure, the fish, the farm and animals and even some crocs. There's a train ride for the kids, cafe and playground. Great for little plane spotters too, and right next door is Treasure Island Adventure Mini Golf.

Markets and coastal walks

Taking a bus to Takapuna is fun. Your guests will have a scenic ride across the harbour bridge and if they go on a Sunday morning they'll catch the markets. There's live music, bric-a-brac, art and craft, fruit and vegetables and fabulous artisan produce such as handmade cheese, sausages and French pastries. Afterwards they can grab an icecream and take a stroll along the beach. If they are feeling particularly active there is a fantastic coastal walk from Takapuna to Milford and back (just make sure to wear sensible walking shoes, as it is rocky) and go at low tide. The market is from 9am-12pm. Buses leave regularly from 17 Albert St (stop 7075) stopping right outside the markets.

Retail therapy

If there are keen spenders in your group, they can easily take a train on the Eastern line from Britomart right to the doorstep of Sylvia Park Shopping Centre. They can give the credit card a hammering on shoes, clothes, homewares and whatever else can fit in their suitcases. Check out the kids' playgrounds and a lolly shop, Sweet, where you can see live demonstrations of candy being made. Closer to the city, there are plenty of buses and trains from south, west and city all running regularly to Auckland's fashion capital, Newmarket.

Beeline for the beach

One of the nicest short trips out of the city to get some instant beach action is to get on a bus along Tamaki Drive. Your visitors can get off where they choose: Kelly Tarlton's Antarctic Encounter and Underwater World, Mission Bay, St Heliers, Kohimarama. If they're after somewhere lively then the people, pubs, restaurants, choice of multiple icecream shops, fountain and playground, make Mission Bay the best bet. The others are good for a slightly quieter, less manic scene. For more action, rent a kayak or bikes. It's so wonderful that in Auckland you can be at the beach after a 10- minute bus ride from the CBD. Take buses 767, 769 or 756 from Britomart and get off wherever takes your fancy.

Ramble through the gardens

A trip to the Botanic Gardens is not just for elderly aunts who love rhododendrons. It's a beautiful 64-hectare lush green space, with room to run and ramble, find a picnic spot and generally have a great family day. It has 10,000 plants from around the world with a cafe on site, if packing a picnic is too much effort. Take a train from Britomart to the Manurewa stop and then take the Howick & Eastern bus 466 to the gardens.

Wonderful west

Titirangi is consistently a fun morning or afternoon out. There's the lovely Lopdell House for some New Zealand art, the fabulous and always-busy Hardware Cafe, the Exhibition Drive pipeline walk (allow 1.5 hours for this) and the Titirangi Village market on the last Sunday of every month. There are plenty of options to get there via New Lynn (a 113, 136, 154, 163, 198, 199, 224 or 233) where you can transfer to a 173 or 179 (which leave hourly on Sundays for Titirangi village). Again, check times on maxx.co.nz to get there and back. .

Thrills and spills

If the kids need entertaining, head south. Take the 471 or 472 bus from 55 Customs St to Rainbow's End, New Zealand's largest theme park. There are loads of rides for all levels of courage. They can get dizzy, be suspended, fall from a height, twist rapidly or get wet - what more could any self-respecting kid want?

Other suggestions

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Bus to Cornwall Park and walk up One Tree Hill

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Ferry to Devonport to explore the shops, Torpedo Bay naval museum and pretty streets of Victorian villas

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Bus to Motat, the Zoo or Western Springs

*
Ferry to Waiheke where the Fullers Island Hopper buses take you to loads of interesting places (Hopper restarts September 5).

Travel pass for the Cup

During Rugby World Cup 2011, Auckland Transport will issue a special edition public transport and discount pass for tourists to the city. The pass will cost just $15 a day and offers unlimited travel on Auckland's trains, buses and ferries (with the exception of Airbus Express and ferries to the gulf islands, Half Moon Bay, Pine Harbour, West Harbour, Gulf Harbour and Waiheke Island). Passes will be available for tourists from September 1 to October 31. (Further information on maxx.co.nz from mid- August).

The new link bus services will start operating on August 21.

City LINK runs the length of Queen St every seven to eight minutes, with every second bus going to Wynyard Quarter. It replaces the old City Circuit bus.

Inner LINK renames the existing LINK with route changes to make it more direct. It will travel via Albert St rather than Queen St, and direct from Ponsonby and Karangahape Rd to Auckland City Hospital and Newmarket via Grafton Bridge.

Outer LINK will run every 15 minutes around Pt Chevalier, Mt Albert, St Lukes, Mt Eden, Epsom, Newmarket and Parnell, as well as Auckland and AUT universities and Wellesley St in the city centre.

SYDNEY

August 10th, 2011, 05:37 AM

More overseas visitors expected for Rugby World Cup than previously predicted
NZ HERALD
3:59 PM Tuesday Aug 9, 2011

An extra 10,000 overseas visitors are now expected for the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off in one month, organisers said today. Previously it was estimated that 85,000 overseas visitors would flood into New Zealand over the six-week tournament. But RNZ 2011 chief executive Martin Snedden said that was now expected to be 95,000 from over 100 countries, based on an increase in offshore ticket sales. "This tournament brings multiple economic benefits to our country as well as providing a priceless opportunity to show the best of New Zealand to the world," Mr Snedden said.

More than 30,000 fans are expected from across the Tasman, 25,000 fans from the UK & Ireland and another 10,000 from France, Mr Snedden said. "It's also terrific to see good numbers coming from the Americas, and that USA, Canada and Argentina will be well supported. Our estimates suggest 10,000 from these countries." Forty four per cent are thought to be first-time visitors to New Zealand. Ticket sales were also on track and had climbed to 1.08 million, pushing up revenue to $234 million - $34.5 million or 230,000 tickets short of the final target.

"This is clearly achievable," Mr Snedden said. "Fans have snapped up more than 180,000 tickets since the final ticketing phase launched on July 4. "Over the last 10 weeks or so, since the 100 days to go milestone, nearly 300,000 tickets, worth $65m, have been sold." He said a flurry of ticket sales were expected in the final build-up to the tournament. The Bledisloe Cup test last weekend also appears to have boosted the world's appetite for rugby; $1 million in tickets have been sold since the game. The Government, who is paying for the tournament, is expected to take a $39 million hit, but wider economic benefits have been estimated in the hundreds of millions.

"Our message to fans is, get in now as many matches will sell out. Time is really running out. While tickets are available to most matches, there is limited availability in many categories," Mr Snedden said. He also said the trial runs for Eden Park and the new Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin could barely have gone better. "We identified some fine tuning we will need to do as expected, but by and large the venue and plans passed the test with flying colours and the fans appear to have endorsed that view." Meanwhile RNZ 2011's polling also confirms growing interest in RWC 2011.

"Nationally, 88 per cent of New Zealanders say they are interested to some degree in RWC and despite all of the challenges and disappointments for the people of Christchurch this year, they remain one of the most interested of the regions with 42 per cent of those polled in Christchurch saying they are very interested." The Colmar Brunton poll of 750 people was carried out in June 2011.

SYDNEY

August 10th, 2011, 11:06 PM

World Cup WAGS to hit Auckland

The much-awaited Rugby World Cup kicks off a month from today, and to help get you in the mood, Auckland Now presents a guide to the glamour girls and the hottest players about to hit our shores. Yes, we know it's all about the very important business of rugby, but with some serious celebrity power, not to mention royalty, in line to visit come tournament time, an injection of glamour is set to hit Auckland. Kate and William may not be coming, but we might catch a glimpse of the latest royal bride Zara Phillips, who recently married England captain Mike Tindall. Also keep an eye out for pint-sized Welsh songstress Duffy, who we hope will make an appearance on Welsh player Mike Phillips' arm.

But, most likely to make a splash is rugby's golden couple, Italian captain Sergio Parisse and his beauty queen girlfriend Alexandra Rosenfeld. Our local WAGs won't be outdone either. Expect to see Honor Dillon (who is set to take Dan Carter off the market) and Casey Green (the woman who snared Ali Williams) soaking up the atmosphere before their upcoming nuptials. But the UK WAGs are the ones to watch, says About Town's Amanda Midgley. "The soccer WAGs get plenty of attention, but the rugby wives and girlfriends are every bit as glamorous." They include English WAG, singer Una Healy, Welsh WAG and X-factor finalist Lucie Jones and Irish WAG and actress Susie Amy, and Midgley expects retail therapy to be high on their list of pastimes.

"The international WAGs will definitely be making a beeline for the premiere shopping spots. Think Nuffield St in Newmarket; Gucci, Louis Vuitton and the DFS Gallery, which has Tiffany's, in town. They may also hit the local designer boutiques in Ponsonby." Midgley believes the local WAGs will keep their socialising under the radar. "They'll certainly be moving in close-knit VIP crews." While glamour boys like our own Dan Carter and Sonny Bill Williams will likely limit themselves on wining and dining during the tournament, once they've done their stint on the field they'll be able to enjoy the privacy of VIP parties at million-dollar clifftop mansions before they head off to the best spots in town.

"A definite hotspot is the revamped Federal St where celebrity chefs Al Brown, Sean Connolly and Luke Dallow are opening restaurants. So that's certainly a place they'll be going to." There's also plenty of choice when it comes to clubbing and drinking, with Britomart likely to be high on the agenda. "1885 has a VIP area downstairs and you can only get in with a membership," says Midgley. "Also, there's Nectar in Kingsland, which is right next to the Kingslander. So while the hordes might go into the Kingslander after games at Eden Park, those in the know will be able to go upstairs to Nectar."

Other likely places to spot a WAG or even a glamour boy drowning his sorrow after a defeat from the men in black is the newly revamped Red Hummingbird in Federal St. Eden Park will also play host to most VIPS with the fully catered Pavillion and private boxes. The new Wynyard Quarter will also make provisions for VIPs visiting the tournament. The Rugby World Cup kicks off on September 9 with an opening ceremony that includes a 12-minute fireworks display on Auckland's waterfront before the All Blacks take on Tonga at Eden Park.

Who are the WAGs ?

Englishman Mike Tindall and Zara Phillips

Englishman Paul Sampson and Kirsty Gallacher, a TV presenter

Englishman Ben Foden and Una Healy, an Irish singer

Welshman Leigh Halfpenny and Lucie Jones, a wonderbra model and X-Factor finalist

Welshman Lee Byrne and Alex Jones, a TV presenter

Kiwi Dan Carter and Honor Dillon, former Black Stick

Kiwi Ali Williams and Casey Green

Italian Sergio Parisse and Alexandra Rosenfeld, a former Miss France

Irishman Rob Kearney and Susie Amy, an actress

Irishman Ronan O'Gara and Jessica Daly

Irishman Alan Quinlan and Ruth Griffin, a model

Irishman Luke Fitzgerald and Kelly Ingram-Walpole

Irishman Tommy Bowe and Kirsty McCullum

Irishman Brian O'Driscoll and Amy Huberman, an actress

Sexiest players:

NZ: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Richard Kahui, Sonny Bill Williams

Australia: James O'Connor, Will Genia

England: Mike Tindall, Ben Cohen, Jonny Wilkinson

France: Sebastian Chabal

South Africa: Bryan Habana, Victor Matfield

Italy: Sergio Parisse

SYDNEY

August 12th, 2011, 03:18 AM

England star Phil Vickery explores New Zealand
Daily Mail (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2022855/Phil-Vickery-New-Zealand-What-explore-Rugby-World-Cup.html)
2:02 PM on 11th August 2011

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VIDEO (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-2022855/Phil-Vickery-New-Zealand-What-explore-Rugby-World-Cup.html)

Phil Vickery has normally spent his days Down Under battling the All Blacks on the rugby pitch. But his travel experiences since retiring from England rugby last year have been altogether more restful. Not that he's been taking the easy road. A recent trip to New Zealand still saw him taking in city skylines from gasp-inducing heights, sampling the local wine and seal-spotting on the Otago Peninsula. There was even time to call in at the odd rugby ground, all in the name of research of course. Vickery has recently been announced as a co-commentator for the Rugby World Cup this autumn, so who better to send to the Land of the Long White Cloud to explore what else there is to do between those all-important matches?

Vickery is the first to confess this trip was certainly different to his previous experiences in New Zealand. 'I didn’t get the chance to be a tourist,' says the former England captain and British and Irish Lions prop. 'We were always training, playing, recovering…training, playing, recovering and always focused. I was there to do a job.' But on this visit the 35-year-old indulged in a slightly more relaxed itinerary of eating, drinking and having fun ahead of the World Cup which kicks off in Auckland on September 9. Just one word springs to mind when describing his first foray into life as a tourist in New Zealand. 'Awesome' he says. 'Everything about it. I didn’t even have jet lag too badly.' Back to nature: Phil explored the Otago Peninsula, known as the wildlife capital of New Zealand.

'Auckland I loved,' he explains in his distinctive burr. 'I mean, just the fact you can be in the city centre and then hop on a ferry and 25 minutes later you’re on an island in the middle of nowhere. I love that kind of lifestyle. 'I had a great time on Waiheke Island, and especially a fantastic meal at Mudbrick restaurant, looking out with the Auckland skyline away over the water. The produce and wine they have in New Zealand blew me away, and people’s enthusiasm for it especially. They really enjoy life over there.'

Vickery got chance for another unique city perspective 192m above street level when he did the SkyWalk around the top of the tower at Sky City.
'You’re harnessed, but the rope feels slack so it doesn’t seem like you’re held on. My brain was just saying there was nothing between me and the pavement 600 feet below except the wire walkway, no barrier, nothing. The views were awesome – I got a good look at Eden Park.' On South Island Vickery headed to Dunedin and was in awe of the brand new, permanently covered, Forsyth Barr stadium. 'I think the atmosphere there on a match day is going to be phenomenal. And from a player’s point of view, the surface was amazing – it’s a mix of artificial and natural grass, which will play hard and fast.

The England lads will love it. It all got me thinking that this is a great model for the northern hemisphere. It could really change the way leagues and timings happen – you won’t have to worry about the elements at all. 'The town itself was great. Really buzzing with all the students. 'I wanted to go surfing but didn’t have time. Instead we spent a day on the Otago Peninsula just next to the city, and that totally blew me away. I went out there with a guy called Perry Reid from Nature’s Wonders Naturally – what a fantastic bloke, so enthusiastic. 'I could have spent days there, surrounded by the ocean and the wind. It was paradise. We saw penguins and seals, and they had no fear, it was just a real privilege.

'Wellington was a blast too and brought back good memories – England beat the All Blacks there in 2003 before we went on to win the World Cup in Sydney! 'I got chance to talk to Conrad Smith (the current All Black centre), which was fun. The pressure on those home team boys is immense. Everyone you talk to, whether it’s an All Black or a cab driver, is determined this is going to be a great tournament; you really get a sense of that. 'And I could have stayed in Wellington for weeks. I really enjoyed Zealandia, which is a sanctuary for all sorts of local wildlife and not far from the centre, which is like walking through Jurassic Park, just totally mind blowing. And we had a great evening out at Matterhorn on Cuba Street. Apparently it was voted best bar in New Zealand for a few years running and you can see why. Although Vickery’s heart will always be in Cornwall it seems New Zealand may have won him over both on and off the pitch.

'It was a privilege facing the Haka when I used to play, I loved it,' he recalls. 'It’s great at Twickenham but when it’s on their home turf it’s something else. You just have to look into their eyes and you can immediately see the pride and the passion. 'And I had a fantastic time on this trip. The Rugby World Cup down there is going to be awesome, they’re putting so much into it, like the Real New Zealand festival that’s running alongside it. They’ve had a tough time with the earthquake in Christchurch but don’t think for a second that’s a reason not to visit. Go and watch the rugby but have a holiday too, it’s such a beautiful place.

GoluBoy

August 14th, 2011, 07:40 AM

Wacky-World-Cup-entertainment

A mob of sheep will be run down Auckland's Queen St as a climax to the Real New Zealand Festival being held around the Rugby World Cup.

The Honda Queen St Sheep Run will be one of the highlights of more than 1000 events planned during the Real New Zealand festival, and director Briony Ellis said it would give visitors the chance to experience the Kiwi lifestyle.

"A lot of people wouldn't have any idea how good New Zealanders are at woodchopping, shearing and dog trials, so what better opportunity to showcase it than down the main street of Auckland," she said.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/5441248/Wacky-World-Cup-entertainment

This is not wacky.It's idiotic.:bash:

What has the annual A&P show got to do with the RWC?

Do Mongolians herd goats down the main street of Ulaanbaatar during the annual Naadam festival?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naadam

:nuts:

SYDNEY

August 16th, 2011, 12:30 AM

Superyachts sail down under for Cup
NZ HERALD (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10745142)
5:30 AM Monday Aug 15, 2011

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04 AUG 11 14°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6009311707/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

About 50 superyachts are heading for Auckland in time for the Rugby World Cup, booking out marinas and promising to boost the marine sector. New Zealand-built luxury sailing yacht Vertigo is among those tipped to be in town for the cup. The Russians are also coming, with one superyacht owner splurging $30,000 on rugby tickets. One 90m vessel is booked for the council-owned Jellico St berth. Others range in length from 59m to 67m. "All are from Europe but we cannot identify them as per an agreement with the boat owners," a Waterfront Auckland spokesman said.

The executive director of the Marine Industry Association, Peter Busfield, said the superyachts were already on their way. "They're coming through the Panama Canal at the moment, from the Mediterranean, the Pacific and some are already here." The association was organising a conference for more than 100 superyacht captains and industry leaders during the Auckland International Boat Show which had been moved to coincide with the World Cup. "These guys employ 15 to 30 people so they've got to be skilled CEOs," he said. The boat show will be the largest staged in New Zealand with about 100 boats in the water at a purpose-built marina and 100 boats on land.

Besides New Zealand companies, exhibitors are coming from Australia, Europe and the United States. The influx of rugby visitors and the expected large number of wealthy individuals among them offered good prospects for the sector which had just moved into recovery following the global financial crisis. "A large percentage of them will be interested in fishing and sailing where we're well acknowledged as world leaders," he said. "It's been pretty tough - in the last 12 months growth has come back into the industry after a bit of a dip in 2009."

During the boom years of 2004 to 2006 about 6500 new boats were sold every year but this had fallen to 4000 a year since. However the maintenance and refit side of the sector had remained constant and accounted for about 60 per cent of turnover. New Zealand firms had carved out a lucrative niche in superyacht refits which are done every five years and are worth $6 million on average. Routine maintenance paid just as well. "A grease and oil change will probably cost them half a millon dollars."

Busfield said already 500 World Cup visitors had indicated they wanted to visit boatyards while here. "The New Zealand marine industry has always done well on the back of major events."

MARINE SECTOR

*
One of NZ's largest manufacturing industries
*
$700m in exports
*
$2.2b in total sales
*
Auckland International Boat Show Sept 15-18 timed to coincide with World Cup.

SYDNEY

August 16th, 2011, 08:57 AM

I think that we can expect something similar for the Rugby World Cup opening ceremony ....

KBPmeFoaWho

Maxva

August 16th, 2011, 11:22 AM

Rugby World Cup 2011 (http://evaspelunker.com/Sports/rugby.shtml) is starting from 9th september and the season ends on 23rd of october. Find what are the Qualified Teams, Rugby Word Cup 2011 Schedule (http://evaspelunker.com/Sports/rugby-world-cup-schedule.shtml), Rugby World Cup 2011 Games Venues (http://evaspelunker.com/Sports/rugby-world-cup-venues-schedule.shtml)

adeaide

August 21st, 2011, 04:31 PM

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/787/rwcbanner2.png

SYDNEY

August 24th, 2011, 11:58 PM

Country colours beamed sky-high

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4040/4503244519_d62b7ed2b8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/41722813@N07/4503244519/)

Auckland Skyline (http://www.flickr.com/photos/41722813@N07/4503244519/) by -finguin- (http://www.flickr.com/people/41722813@N07/), on Flickr

SkyCity is welcoming the world to Auckland by lighting up the Sky Tower in a host of different colours ahead of the Rugby World Cup. Kicking off this Saturday, for 20 days the tower will be lit up in each of the participating countries' national colours in the lead-up to the tournament on September 9. Namibia is the first country to be paid tribute to with Saturday's tower shining a green stem with a blue and red top. The tower will shine a red stem with a white and blue top on Sunday with USA being the second nation being honoured.

The All Blacks will be honoured with a black tower on the eve of the tournament's opening match against Tonga at Eden Park on September 9. Here is a guide for Aucklanders to track which team is being celebrated when they catch a glimpse of the iconic tower each night.

Saturday, August 20
Namibia. Green stem with a blue and red red top

Sunday, August 21
USA. Red stem with a white and blue top

Monday, August 22
Romania. Blue stem with a red and yellow top.

Tuesday, August 23
Russia. Red stem with a white and blue top.

Wednesday, August 24
Georgia. White stem with a red top.

Thursday, August 25
Canada. Red stem with a red and white top.

Friday, August 26
Japan. White stem with a red top.

Saturday, August 27
Samoa. Red stem with a blue top.

Sunday, August 28
Fiji. Light blue stem with a light blue top.

Monday, August 29
Tonga. Red stem with a white top.

Tuesday, August 30
Italy. Red stem with a green and white top.

Wednesday, August 31
Argentina. Light blue stem with a light blue and white top.

Thursday, September 1
Scotland. White stem with a dark blue top.

Friday, September 2
Ireland. Green stem with an orange and white top.

Saturday, September 3
Wales. White stem with a green and red top.

Sunday, September 4
France. Blue stem with a red and white top.

Monday, September 5
England. White stem with a red top.

Tuesday, September 6
South Africa. Green stem with a red, blue and black top.

Wednesday, September 7
Australia. Green stem with a gold top.

Thursday, September 8
New Zealand. Black.

SYDNEY

August 26th, 2011, 05:24 AM

I was only told about the lighting of Sky Tower yesterday so I have missed Namibia, USA, Romania, Russia and Georgia - sorry :( Last night (25 AUG) it was Canada's turn ....

http://www.suzukiofwichita.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/1194989024572057358canada_flag_ganson.svg_.hi_.png

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6081098767_dd215ef5ca_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6081098767/)

25 AUG 11 RWC 2011 CANADA (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6081098767/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

August 28th, 2011, 11:31 PM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6089878289_be186c6e06_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6089878289/)

26 AUG 11 RWC 2011 JAPAN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6089878289/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6090421368_1b528cb6cd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6090421368/)

27 AUG 11 RWC 2011 SAMOA (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6090421368/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6090421802_03e24d9557_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6090421802/)

28 AUG 11 RWC 2011 FIJI (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6090421802/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

Urbania

August 29th, 2011, 02:06 PM

^^
what a wonderful idea!

SYDNEY

August 30th, 2011, 11:31 PM

^^
what a wonderful idea!

:cheers:

SYDNEY

August 30th, 2011, 11:32 PM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6097368915_afdea64726_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6097368915/)

29 AUG 11 RWC 2011 TONGA (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6097368915/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/6097368471_66acca643e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6097368471/)

30 AUG 11 RWC 2011 ITALY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6097368471/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 1st, 2011, 08:45 AM

This is my favourite thus far - with Italy a close 2nd :)

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6102347628_fa19b4f01d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102347628/)

31 AUG 11 RWC 2011 ARGENTINA (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102347628/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 1st, 2011, 09:05 AM

Auckland welcomed JAPAN today in Aotea Square ...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6101804559_7dafdca6b5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101804559/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101804559/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6101804285_4b606e9146_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101804285/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101804285/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6102354218_ca59a71f70_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102354218/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102354218/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6101805823_cb70d9f544_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101805823/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101805823/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6101806281_08e2947730_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101806281/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101806281/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6102355602_8da33e0e6f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102355602/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102355602/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6102355894_6909e6aa09_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102355894/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102355894/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6101806941_779210b02b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101806941/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101806941/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6101807181_64457c0f7f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101807181/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101807181/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6101807875_feb55e1d59_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101807875/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101807875/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6102355152_bd17621e88_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102355152/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102355152/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6101807633_4e16bbd9ca_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101807633/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101807633/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6101808031_43af16e20b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101808031/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6101808031/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6102356674_2e044f312f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102356674/)

01 SEP 11 16°C RWC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102356674/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 1st, 2011, 09:56 AM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6102506360_45b6f529c4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102506360/)

01 SEP 11 RWC 2011 SCOTLAND (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6102506360/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

badbehaviour

September 1st, 2011, 02:57 PM

omfg i'm getting super duper excited

repin

September 2nd, 2011, 06:21 PM

http://www.bookmakersinc.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Rugby-world-cup-2011-300x200.jpg

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/9365/mapnz2.png

http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/37445_436432777173_116276232173_5653175_678693_n.jpg

Auckland , Eden Park , 60,000

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/492/auckland600.jpg

http://img801.imageshack.us/img801/4420/auckland605.jpg

Wellington , Wellington Regional Stadium (Westpac Stadium) , 40,000 , 2000.1.3

http://www.affordablecebu.com/pictures/articles/business/Westpac-Stadium-New-Zealand.jpg

http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/1210/welington2.jpg

Dunedin , Forsyth Barr Stadium , Otago Stadium 30,748 , 2011.8.5

http://cluj-am.ro/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/DUNEDIN-Forsyth-Barr-Stadium-30000-2011-Rugby-World-Cup.jpg

http://www.insidethegames.biz/images/stories/The_Forsyth_Barr_Stadium_in_Dunedin_05-08-11.jpg

Rotorua , Rotorua International Stadium , 26,000 , 1911

http://www.linternaute.com/sport/rugby/les-12-stades-de-la-coupe-du-monde-de-rugby-en-nouvelle-zelande/image/rotorua-international-stadium-955605.jpg

http://www.raggamuffin.co.nz/gallery/2011-aerial-02.jpg

Hamilton , Waikato Stadium , 25,800 , 1925

http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Waikato-Stadium.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2ToG3lZf09c/TeYEJ_2tnWI/AAAAAAAABOI/NGrbfYEzJa8/s1600/venue_168.jpg

New Plymouth , Stadium Taranaki (Yarrow Stadium) , 25,500 , 2002.9

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ahcoG_ctj8/TeYE2QhqPPI/AAAAAAAABOY/xoIV_eYQlGk/s1600/5156308921_2759c7f8e6.jpg

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1309828823/939/5235939.jpg

North Shore City (Albany) , North Harbour Stadium , 25,000 , 1997.3.8

http://www.stadium.co.nz/media/11700/dsc_0071_630x250px_600x238.jpg

http://www.stadium.co.nz/media/9350/rugby_generic_630x250.jpg

Whangarei , Northland Events Centre , Okara Park Stadium(Toll Stadium) , 18,000 , 1965

http://www.whangareiheadstourism.co.nz/images/TollStadiumWhangarei.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/864/nwhangarei618.jpg

Nelson , Trafalgar Park , 18,000

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/3638/nnelson600.jpg

http://www.oliverweberphotography.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/DSC52611.jpg

Invercargill , Rugby Park (Homestead stadium) , 16,500 , 1887

http://www.aowy95.dsl.pipex.com/Google%20Earth/Rugby%20Grounds/images/Invercargill.jpg

http://sportige.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/Rugby-Park-Stadium.jpg

Palmerston North , Arena Manawatu (FMG Stadium) , 15,000 , 2005

http://www.missoulacultural.org/sistercities/Images/Photos%20of%20Palmerston/FMG%20stadium%20big.jpg

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1309829230/005/5236005.jpg

Napier , McLean Park , 15,000 , 1952

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-05oqxtwLijI/TeYE2E6lIiI/AAAAAAAABOQ/OTQU2uX1S1I/s1600/aerial_mclean_4.jpg

http://static2.stuff.co.nz/1297377188/978/4645978.jpg

if you want to see stadia pictures of 2011 Rugby World Cup , Please visit below URL.

2011 Rugby World Cup Stadiums (http://cafe.daum.net/stade/5BIE/103)

http://www.ukproxyserver.co.uk/images/2011-rugby-world-cup-stream.gif

repin

September 3rd, 2011, 08:46 AM

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1170/rwcmailshot.jpg

SYDNEY

September 3rd, 2011, 01:49 PM

Today Auckland welcomed the FRENCH Rugby Team at the Orakei Marae (Maori meeting house) ....

PART 1

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6108159231_5961dc60db_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108159231/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108159231/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6108159691_276445787a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108159691/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108159691/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6087/6108159971_c6dd9bd341_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108159971/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108159971/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6108160225_b91212e96c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108160225/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108160225/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6108709594_f59b50d25b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108709594/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108709594/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6108710162_d59b660f94_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108710162/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108710162/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6108710626_102de5904e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108710626/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108710626/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6108710922_acf74d69c9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108710922/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108710922/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6108161869_04b8b0e53b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108161869/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108161869/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6108711348_501b1024a0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108711348/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108711348/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6108711604_7be7010a7d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108711604/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108711604/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6108162783_5e5407fb69_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108162783/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108162783/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6108712550_e64f2b72e3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108712550/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108712550/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6108163663_fb7d9019ae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108163663/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108163663/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6108163937_6184d9c637_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108163937/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108163937/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6108713798_ae43c0ee57_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108713798/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108713798/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 3rd, 2011, 02:04 PM

PART 2

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6108714314_89f822058a_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108714314/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108714314/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6201/6108165393_a6c3dafbc0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108165393/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108165393/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6108165681_4b4338e4ef_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108165681/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108165681/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6108715234_9634e6156e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108715234/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108715234/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6108166413_e0039853a3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108166413/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108166413/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6108715968_4486678602_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108715968/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108715968/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6108716394_a6f60efbd9_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108716394/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108716394/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6108716630_4b544fda33_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108716630/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108716630/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6108802450_ee02a1675e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108802450/)

French Team Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108802450/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6108254419_aa7ff59ebd_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108254419/)

French Team Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108254419/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6108803640_671aeae1bb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108803640/)

French Team Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108803640/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6089/6108804398_5fcce2ec8f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108804398/)

French Team Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108804398/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6108255999_291e1f9684_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108255999/)

French Team Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6108255999/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 3rd, 2011, 11:36 PM

The ALL BLACKS were officially welcomed yesterday at Auckland's Aotea Square .... I have never seen women go so crazy in my life :lol: Richard Kahui, Sonny B Williams, Richie McCaw and Dan Carter were the clear favourites.

PART 1

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108192757/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108193171/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108743114/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6108743642_4f0cc12ddb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108743642/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108743642/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6190/6108194493_3a81a38356_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108194493/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108194493/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108194763/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108744526/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108745036/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108745334/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108745822/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108196587/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108196895/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108746854/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108197783/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 3rd, 2011, 11:57 PM

PART 2

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108197961/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108198283/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108198499/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108198847/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108199103/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108749060/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108199647/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108199931/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108749922/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108200571/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108750776/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108751002/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108201701/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108201995/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108202421/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6110276728_8a4df507fa_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110276728/)

All Blacks Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110276728/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6109728565_04363a2b26_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6109728565/)

All Blacks Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6109728565/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6110272720_6ee3395484_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110272720/)

All Blacks Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110272720/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6204/6110269840_058f95d0de_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110269840/)

All Blacks Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110269840/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

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All Blacks Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6109723121/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6110265716_3628e1c2f0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110265716/)

All Blacks Welcome (http://www.flickr.com/photos/craigsyd/6110265716/) by craigsydnz (http://www.flickr.com/people/craigsyd/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 4th, 2011, 12:19 AM

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02 SEP 11 RWC 2011 IRELAND (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6110347726/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

Please excuse the quality of the next pic :(

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6074/6110348076_1c4fecc563_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6110348076/)

03 SEP 11 RWC 2011 WALES (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6110348076/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 4th, 2011, 12:58 AM

Besides the obvious - sport, big sport events can help transform cities and The RWC 2011 has transformed Auckland, it is also the catalyst for the city's next big building programme which starts after the RWC has ended. NZ wants to promote culture with sport and the latest addition to open in time for the RWC is Auckland's Art Gallery which has been a race to the finish line. If it wasn't for the RWC we would probably still be waiting for this to be built ... Thank you RWC 2011 :)

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108738252/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108722806/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108723490/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108175511/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108177359/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108177821/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108178273/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108178697/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108179563/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108181115/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108182797/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108732514/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108184941/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108185799/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108187303/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108187681/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108188077/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6196/6108725468_f8f1cd8e0c_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108725468/)

03 SEP 11 15°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6108725468/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

badbehaviour

September 4th, 2011, 05:24 AM

victor vito + jimmy cowan = yum.

Urbania

September 4th, 2011, 03:39 PM

wow...the art gallery in Auckland looks great!

SYDNEY

September 5th, 2011, 08:28 AM

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04 SEP 11 RWC 2011 FRANCE (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6114754803/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 5th, 2011, 10:08 AM

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05 SEP 11 RWC 2011 ENGLAND (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6114950883/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 6th, 2011, 10:20 AM

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06 SEP 11 RWC 2011 SOUTH AFRICA (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6119110171/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 7th, 2011, 12:46 PM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6122936275_c6b77e0c06_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6122936275/)

07 SEP 11 RWC 2011 AUSTRALIA (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6122936275/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

badbehaviour

September 7th, 2011, 12:51 PM

^^

*vom* :P

SYDNEY

September 7th, 2011, 01:02 PM

Has anybody else heard the whispers that WETA WORKSHOP is involved in the opening ceremony - that will be awesome if true :)

Spectacular Opening Ceremony to kick off RWC

Tournament Organisers for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) today unveiled some key elements of the Opening Ceremony which will kick-off the seventh Rugby World Cup at 7.30pm (NZT) on Friday, September 9, including a key role for a New Zealand sports star. “In one week’s time, the world will be watching us as the seventh Rugby World Cup gets underway,” said Martin Snedden, CEO for Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011. “We promise all fans, at Eden Park, and those watching from afar, a night to remember. “It is the perfect double bill – a spectacular Opening Ceremony, the likes of which New Zealand sports fans will not have experienced in this country, coupled with two great Pacific nations kicking off Rugby’s showpiece Tournament.”

Mr Snedden said the Opening Ceremony signals the official start of the Tournament and is the first opportunity for Kiwi fans to see some dazzling video projection technology not seen on such a scale before in New Zealand. The 30 minute ceremony will tell the story of New Zealand and its unique place in the Pacific and represent the coming together of countries from around the world in New Zealand in pursuit of Rugby’s greatest prize. A New Zealand sporting legend will also have a special role, but Tournament Organisers say exactly who and what they will do is being kept under wraps. “Rest assured he or she will play a pivotal role in the ceremony. “There will also be special recognition of Christchurch, which lost its role as a host city for RWC 2011 following February’s tragic earthquake.

“As well, there will be a unique interpretation of the official Tournament song World in Union featuring the combined talents of over 400 singers, in a performance that will have a special Pacific flavour. “The performance will sum up the cosmopolitan character of our young nation with singers of Maori, Pakeha, Samoan, Fijian, Cook Island, Niuean, Tongan, Tokelauan, Australian, Chinese, Korean, English, Irish, Danish, American, Canadian, Dutch, South African and Indian descent. “The ceremony will be a powerful tribute to New Zealand’s creative skills. Some of our finest talent have been working hard to show the world why we are such a skilled and innovative country so this is their chance to shine on the world stage. We have drawn on many of our best choreographers, costume designers, set builders, musicians and many others, plus a cast of 1000 volunteer performers who have given up their time to be part of this amazing show.

“The ceremony has also been masterminded by one of the world’s best live event companies, David Atkins Enterprises (DAE), which has staged many other spectacular opening events such as the Vancouver Winter Olympics and Sydney Olympic Games so fans are in for a special night. “DAE have assembled an amazing team of New Zealand creative talent who have given the ceremony a uniquely Kiwi feel.” Rugby World Cup Limited Chairman Bernard Lapasset, who arrived in Auckland on Wednesday, expects the Opening Ceremony to be the most exciting and spectacular in the history of Rugby World Cup. “Fans attending the Opening Match and the millions around the world watching on television are going to be in for a real treat. “The ceremony will be a celebration of New Zealand and its rich cultural and Rugby heritage, the history of the Game and the values that binds it together. It promises to be spectacular and I can’t wait to see it.

“There is no doubt that it will set the tone for what will be a very special and successful Rugby World Cup.” Broadcasters Petra Bagust and Jeremy Corbett will welcome fans to the stadium from 7pm and plan a few tricks of their own to entertain the crowd. “We don’t want fans to miss any of the action so our best advice is get there by 7pm because the show will start at 7.30pm sharp,” said Mr Snedden. “With an international television audience estimated at over 50 million everything needs to run to a tight schedule. We want the perfect start to this Tournament so we urge Kiwi fans to do their bit when the world switches on to watch New Zealand’s big night and don’t delay getting to Eden Park.”

The RWC 2011 Opening Ceremony – some facts:

Start time: 7.30pm Friday 9 September
Pre-show start time: 7.00pm
Duration: 30 minutes
1,000 performers
200 back stage production crew
200 back stage support volunteers
400 performers to sing World in Union
8,000 blades of flax harvested and 9.5kms of silk to be used in costumes

SYDNEY

September 8th, 2011, 10:40 AM

Just under 23 hours before the first game kicks off ...

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6126608844_e065c3cac7_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126608844/)

08 SEP 11 RWC 2011 NEW ZEALAND (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126608844/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 9th, 2011, 01:52 AM

Auckland launches Wi-Fi world first

http://www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/SiteCollectionImages/News/Feature/wifi442.jpg

Internet on the Auckland Wi-Fi network, provided free to users due to sponsorship from Localist, has already seen strong support from Aucklanders and visitors with heavy usage in its first week of operation. "This is a global blueprint for how a sustainable Wi-Fi network can benefit residents and visitors - even while travelling on public transport," says Len Brown.

"I'm encouraged by the number of people already using a network built by Aucklanders in under six weeks in time for Rugby World Cup 2011."
The Wi-Fi service is available on all new Link buses and selected trains. Over time, Aucklanders can expect to see the service expanding across the transport system and across the city.

"Being able to access the internet via this new Wi-Fi service means our customers and our visitors to the city can make more effective use of their commute time," says Mark Lambert, Auckland Transport's public transport operations manager.

"Auckland Transport will evaluate the success of the Wi-Fi service prior to making it more widely available across the public transport network," says Mr Lambert. "Auckland is now home to the best integrated Wi-Fi network across a city anywhere in the world and it's something our team are very proud to have delivered in such a short time," says Tomizone Executive Director Steve Simms.

SYDNEY

September 9th, 2011, 02:09 AM

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123108795/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6123654308_e0332a93f5_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123654308/)

07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123654308/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6123650190_45a78b03f6_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123650190/)

07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123650190/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123652606/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123115335/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123115591/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123658496/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123659686/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123661028/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123118765/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6123119121_a0781ab0f3_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123119121/)

07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6123119121/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6064/6126548590_c51826de45_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126548590/)

07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126548590/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6126001345_28c56d2ef2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126001345/)

07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126001345/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126001869/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126549484/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6126002407_07c463a127_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126002407/)

07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126002407/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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07 SEP 11 16°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6126002575/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

IHaveNoLegs

September 9th, 2011, 02:48 AM

the last two sky tower shots are a little disappointing, though I wouldn't know how black could be pulled off. Tonight will be awesome, almost sounds like it will be better to be at the waterfront than at eden park.

SYDNEY

September 9th, 2011, 12:06 PM

GO NEW ZEALAND !!

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6129755252_69d66e1775_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129755252/)

RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129755252/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6129755326_f46f9d840b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129755326/)

RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129755326/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6129206915_efff39567b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129206915/)

RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129206915/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6129755506_171efbb347_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129755506/)

RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6129755506/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

kix111

September 9th, 2011, 11:18 PM

Urbania

September 10th, 2011, 03:45 AM

Fantastic shots of Auckland, Sydney!

SYDNEY

September 10th, 2011, 06:18 AM

I went downtown yesterday night, had so much fun, enjoyed the atmosphere (even though i have nothing with rugby), the only complaint i really had was that the train was WAY too slow, waited an hour or so for the train.

I got into the city at about 11am and it was already crazy -man it was awesome ! By 6 we couldn't stand the crowds and got out of there :) I don't think that the train issue is a surprise, we all expected problems there but considering the logistics of yesterday it all went better than I expected :cheers:

Fantastic shots of Auckland, Sydney!

Thanks Urbania, have a great weekend mate :cheers:

SYDNEY

September 10th, 2011, 06:50 AM

FIREWORKS Display (one needs to see the video where they show how the various points across the city tie in with the drag queens, harbour, aerial acrobats and the music but this will have to do for now):

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/video.cfm?c_id=1&gal_objectid=10750788&gallery_id=121347

EVENTS throughout the City:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503158&gal_cid=1503158&gallery_id=121316

SNIPPETS from the OPENING CEREMONY:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup/news/video.cfm?c_id=1503158&gal_cid=1503158&gallery_id=121340

IHaveNoLegs

September 10th, 2011, 08:52 AM

expected some maori shit got some maori shit and some fireworks. all very good and fitting of the occasion but meh.

Nicco

September 10th, 2011, 03:10 PM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2035587/Rugby-World-Cup-2011-Opening-ceremony.html

Check this out for amazing photos.

hakz2007

September 10th, 2011, 03:18 PM

Good evening!

You can also visit our rugby world cup thread in the Philippine Forums - http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1440630

Cheers.

SYDNEY

September 10th, 2011, 11:49 PM

All photographs from HERE (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2035587/Rugby-World-Cup-2011-Opening-ceremony.html)

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-0-0DC9E93500000578-204_964x619.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-2035587-0DCA732D00000578-263_964x631.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-2035587-0DCA165700000578-672_964x828.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-0-0DC9832500000578-457_964x634.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-0-0DC9823500000578-472_964x628.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-2035587-0DCA550100000578-192_964x658.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-2035587-0DC9828800000578-373_964x624.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-2035587-0DC9B13100000578-591_964x699.jpg

http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/09/09/article-2035587-0DCA13C500000578-678_964x638.jpg

SYDNEY

September 11th, 2011, 11:43 AM

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135053005/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135601112/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6135601318_b087751008_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135601318/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135601318/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135054897/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135602710/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135602924/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135055693/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135603480/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135056141/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135603938/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135056605/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6135056827_bf42001e63_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135056827/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135056827/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 11th, 2011, 12:02 PM

All 11 minutes of the fireworks taken from the North Shore - unbelievable !!

rwOeEkrsb5k

SYDNEY

September 12th, 2011, 01:40 AM

$1m worth of Cup tickets selling every day

A million dollars of Rugby World Cup tickets have sold every day since opening night - with excitement over the tournament hitting fever-pitch. Tournament boss Martin Snedden told the Herald last night from the South Africa vs Wales match in Wellington that total sales had pushed through 1.2 million tickets and past the $250 million mark. "The spirit around the country was incredible - we had become the stadium of four million as promised in our pitch to host the tournament," he said. "Unbelievable. The atmosphere is just unbelievable," Mr Snedden said. "The crowds, just everyone is getting stuck into it.

"I was at Argentina-England in Dunedin and you just couldn't hear yourself. "It's sort of like every single game has come alive so far. The crowd participation is so strong and really into backing one side or the other." New Zealanders were picking visiting teams to support and showing their hospitality, he said" (this was very evident at the Italy/Australia game 99% of the Kiwi's were backing Italy). "At Dunedin everyone was for England or Argentina, and there was just about no one neutral in there," he said. "It's working, mate, it's working." Rugby New Zealand chief operating officer Therese Walsh said the tournament was now seeing sales of $1 million a day.

"We always expected sales to rise as the tournament comes alive across the country, so it's great to see so many New Zealanders now wanting to be ringside." At least 25,000 tickets sold at the last minute to the matches over the opening weekend. The Australia vs Italy match at North Harbour Stadium saw a surge of more than 8000 sales in the final lead-up. Only 17,500 tickets had been sold by Wednesday last week - but the capacity crowd yesterday was 25,731. Matches at Invercargill and Rotorua also witnessed huge buy-ins, with last-minute sales of 3400 and 2800 respectively. Rugby Park Stadium reached 95 per cent capacity after concerns just days earlier that thousands of tickets were left.

Eden Park on opening night and Dunedin's new covered stadium for the Argentina vs England game both sold out. "You have just seen people rise up right around the country and just embrace this. And I'm just looking around the stadium in Wellington and the number of South African flags and Welsh flags ... " said Mr Snedden. "I came out on the bus, and in the middle of Courtenay Place there's a little Welsh pub - the only Welsh pub in the Southern Hemisphere - and the owner said it was his best trading night ever. He was just ecstatic." Fan zones in Wellington, Christchurch and Taranaki had also buzzed on opening night. "The people in all the city centres have stood up," Mr Snedden said.

"People have just got the spirit - and they're doing it the right way. They're celebrating the diversity of the whole thing." The beginning of the surge had been the arrival of the Tongans in Auckland last week, he said. "That lighted the fire in some way, and others are picking up the responsibility for that and carrying it on. It's just so energising." Rugby New Zealand is urging fans to get in quick to nab the last few available tickets. Ms Walsh said: "We are expecting most of these matches to be at or near capacity. So our advice to fans is to purchase tickets now and avoid disappointment or having to queue on match day."

SYDNEY

September 12th, 2011, 02:09 AM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6135057083_eb6d85f304_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135057083/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135057083/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6135057355_87cf93c5ae_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135057355/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135057355/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6135605048_09ba596f91_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135605048/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135605048/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6135058063_2369056a14_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135058063/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135058063/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6135606022_1edf351087_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135606022/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135606022/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135606224/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6135058955_7a328edba2_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135058955/)

09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135058955/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135059219/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135059465/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135060191/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135165639/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135713872/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 12th, 2011, 11:57 PM

World Cup takes off - cash rolls in

http://media.nzherald.co.nz/webcontent/image/jpg/201138/SCCZEN_A_090911NZHSRIOPEN05_460x230.JPG

Rugby World Cup fever has taken off, and organisers are now confident of reaching their $270 million ticket-sales target - and reducing the amount the tournament will cost New Zealand. Six matches are likely to be sell-outs this week - after almost 220,000 spectators attended the opening weekend's matches. Eleven games will be played between tomorrow and Sunday and tickets - some as cheap as $31 - are still available for several of them. "We have had a great start to the tournament. There couldn't have been a better platform for [the later] matches," said a RWC spokesman.

Ticket sales have exceeded $1 million each day since the opening match between the All Blacks and Tonga on Friday - and are edging towards the organisers' goal of selling $270 million worth, or 85 per cent of the total available. More than $250 million worth had been sold by yesterday morning, leaving organisers only $19.5 million short of the 85 per cent threshold. Last year, Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd forecast the World Cup would end with a $39 million loss, two-thirds of which would be picked up by the government and one-third by the NZ Rugby Union. Ticket sales are New Zealand's only direct source of revenue. If the $270 million goal is exceeded, the loss the country will have to carry will be reduced. Tournament boss Martin Snedden told the Herald at the weekend that every match had come alive, fulfilling the promise of making New Zealand a stadium of four million. "You have just seen people rise up right around the country and just embrace this," Mr Snedden said. Last night, IRB tournament director Kit McConnell said ticket sales had continued to be strong.

"We were so thrilled with how the country came alive around the matches and New Zealanders embraced all the fans from overseas. It was fantastic rugby on the field and a festival atmosphere off it." The 2003 and 2007 tournaments had shown late ticket sales for games right through the event were normal, he said. Mr McConnell believed even more tickets would sell now New Zealanders had seen the quality of the rugby. "Every match has been absolutely compelling. It had a lot of people glued to the TV or turning up as spectators at the stadiums, where the atmosphere has been fantastic." Three of last weekend's matches had capacity crowds, and the four others were close to capacity.

SYDNEY

September 13th, 2011, 01:33 AM

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135714826/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135166777/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135715190/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135167745/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135168915/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135716328/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135716002/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135169211/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135717316/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135170167/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135717512/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135717756/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135170373/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135718444/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

September 14th, 2011, 06:49 AM

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135719064/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135171597/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135172065/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135172519/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135172897/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135720912/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135173417/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135176199/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 RWC 2011 OPENING CEREMONY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135601112/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135722530/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135721922/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135722272/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135175873/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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09 SEP 11 18°C RWC 2011 OPENING DAY (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6135175461/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

TEBC

September 15th, 2011, 01:27 AM

o would like to see some WC vibe from other host cities..

briker

September 23rd, 2011, 10:29 AM

I get the feeling of it all by looking at these wonderful pics! Unfortunately the world cup is non-existent on asian TV. Damn!!

AlfaBeta

October 6th, 2011, 03:13 PM

These images credits belong to 'valisaires' and his original post is here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=83960717&postcount=46)

I went to see the first two games of Argentina :). These are a video and some pics I took this week. :)
We took the streets of Dunedin, NZ lol, I can't wait for the next match against Scotland

5NHZBoIbVB4

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/4046/046mv.jpg
http://img402.imageshack.us/img402/438/019eq.jpg
http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7008/dsc09384c.jpg
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/1755/dsc09385pk.jpg
http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1807/dsc09406q.jpg
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http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/9346/dsc09408l.jpg
http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2493/dsc09409g.jpg
http://img847.imageshack.us/img847/257/dsc09476.jpg
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/1319/dsc0898998.jpg

Cheers

SYDNEY

October 13th, 2011, 09:53 PM

IRB head lavish in praise of NZ hosts
NZ HERALD
5:30 AM Friday Oct 14, 2011

This Rugby World Cup has been the best ever - "probably" - and the tournament will return to New Zealand some day, says the head of the International Rugby Board. "If you take it all together, it's certainly exceptional," IRB chief executive Mike Miller said yesterday. "Best ever? Probably. "But, you know, if you ask the people who worked on France, they would say, yes, it's very good, but ... and the people who worked on Australia as well, which was another great tournament.

"It's certainly set the bar very high for England. It's going to be very difficult for England or anyone who follows to have a tournament which has been as successful as this, I think." Only two weekends remain. Two hundred tickets to Sunday's All Blacks v Australia semifinal were released at midday yesterday and sold out within hours. For Saturday's semifinal, between France and Wales, about 3500 tickets are left in most seating categories, priced from $300 to $800. Tournament organisers have also announced that a couple of hundred extra tickets to the grand final will be made available today at midday.

IRB tournament director Kit McConnell encouraged visitors and locals to make the most of the few matches left. "Don't let the last two weekends pass you by," Mr McConnell said. He urged everyone to end the World Cup on a high. "If you can't manage to make it out to the stadiums, just make sure you share it with friends and family, get down to the waterfront, get down to a fan zone nearby, just make sure you make the most of the last two weekends." Mr Miller said the tournament's atmosphere, volunteers, operations and the co-operation between Rugby New Zealand 2011, the New Zealand Rugby Union, local and national governments and the IRB had been "absolutely great".

But the performances on the field were also standouts. "The first World Cup I saw in the flesh was in '91 and I would say this must be the most competitive World Cup ever." The IRB had made a calculated decision to pair a return to New Zealand - a spiritual home of rugby but yielding lower revenues - with a high-grossing event in England. Deciding two World Cup hosts at a time allowed some risks to be taken, he said.

"I think it's good that in this modern era, the council was prepared to take a decision that wasn't just based on, 'where can we get the most money?'," he said. "Whether we come back to New Zealand at some point? Look, I'm sure the World Cup will come back here at some point. It's just that there are so many other countries that want to host now that it will be a while."

SYDNEY

October 17th, 2011, 01:16 AM

PART 1

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6250938275/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6250940307/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251465974/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251466836/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251470998/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6250942107/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6250943119/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6250944277/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6250948023/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251475774/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251487370/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

SYDNEY

October 17th, 2011, 01:22 AM

PART 2

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251018305/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251546178/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251021861/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251551184/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251024381/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251025385/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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SYDNEY

October 17th, 2011, 01:29 AM

PART 3

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251030011/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251032349/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251561550/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251563338/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251562292/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251564106/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251038123/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251039771/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251567584/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

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16 OCT 11 19°C RWC 2011 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eyeonauckland/6251566100/) by Urban+Explorer (http://www.flickr.com/people/eyeonauckland/), on Flickr

Gadiri

October 18th, 2011, 05:55 PM

I went to severals games in WC 2007 (opening, Italy-Scotland, England-Australia, and 2 1/2 finals), and I can say that kiwis are very respectful people (more than their neighbords :shifty:) they went at the 1/2 final France-England (tickets payed a long time before the WC). The organization for this WC was very good, despite on the fact that 1 of the main stadium can't be used (Christruch). :applause:

Good luck ! :lol:

SYDNEY

October 18th, 2011, 09:27 PM

SYDNEY

October 18th, 2011, 09:28 PM

Rich and famous flock to final
NZ HERALD

Globe-trotting billionaire Richard Branson and his family - including socialite daughter Holly - are set to jet in by private plane tomorrow. The Virgin founder, worth more than $5 billion, will arrive just in time to host a sold out star-studded dinner to raise funds for Outward Bound. Holly, 29, is rumoured to be attending her father's dinner with her husband-to-be, shipbroker Fred Andrews. The Branson clan will also attend the World Cup final at Eden Park on Sunday.

Also set to attend Branson's fundraising dinner is Kiwi expat and former supermodel Rachel Hunter, who arrived from Los Angeles last week in time to support the All Black at the semifinals. Other well-known New Zealanders who are home to support the team at the final include America's Cup skipper Sir Russell Coutts and actor Martin Henderson. French President Nicolas Sarkozy was rumoured to be heading to Eden Park this weekend but his wife, Carla Bruni, is due to give birth any day, making his attendance less likely.

Last month, Prime Minister John Key said Mr Sarkozy might attend if there was an All Blacks versus France final. "You never know, you might find his Airbus A380 parked up at Auckland Airport. Nice plane, I'm told," Mr Key said. If Mr Sarkozy does make it to Auckland he would be hobnobbing with guests including British royals, prime ministers including John Key, Australia's Julia Gillard, Russia's Vladimir Putin and possibly Britain's David Cameron.

Other international stars have already touched down in Auckland - including Prince Albert II of Monaco and his new bride, Princess Charlene, who went to both last week's semifinals. It has been reported that beer magnate Charlene de Carvalho-Heinekin arrived last week for the last two weeks of knock-out matches. Hobbit star James Nesbitt said he would take a break from filming in Wellington to head up to Auckland to be at the final. Fellow Hobbit actor Orlando Bloom might also make his way to Eden Park after catching some of Australia's pool matches with supermodel wife Miranda Kerr earlier in the tournament.

MelboyPete

October 19th, 2011, 08:22 PM

Best of luck to the AB's...you deserve to win. :cheer::cheers1:

SYDNEY

October 20th, 2011, 08:21 AM

Best of luck to the AB's...you deserve to win. :cheer::cheers1:

Thank you :hug:

SYDNEY

October 20th, 2011, 08:22 AM

Sales target met
Thursday Oct 20, 2011
NZ HERALD (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/rugby-world-cup-2011/news/article.cfm?c_id=522&objectid=10760492)

Rugby World Cup organisers have achieved their $268.5 million sales target - but the taxpayer remains $39 million out of pocket for the tournament. Tournament organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011 (RNZ 2011) today announced it had achieved its revenue target with two matches still to be played, with ticket sales today surpassing the $268.5m target set more than two years ago. RNZ 2011 chairman Brian Roche said sales this week had pushed revenue to $268.7m, with 87 per cent of available tickets to this weekends Australia v Wales bronze playoff and the All Blacks-France final.

SYDNEY

October 21st, 2011, 10:07 PM

Visitor numbers surge by 26pc
NZ HERALD (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10760899)
5:30 AM Saturday Oct 22, 2011

At least 80,000 international visitors hit our shores for the Rugby World Cup - in just the first half. Statistics New Zealand yesterday released September visitor arrival numbers, including those who said they were here for the World Cup. More than 27,000 residents of Australia, 11,000 from the United Kingdom, and 3000 each from the United States, South Africa and Ireland arrived during the month for the tournament. Argentina, Japan, Canada and Fiji also registered more than 1000 visitors each. The 74,400 World Cup arrivals pushed the total number of visitors during the month to 26 per cent higher than the same time last year.

Welsh visitor Neil Godfrey was among the crowds packing the Auckland waterfront yesterday. He said he had come for the rugby - but having now seen the country, he was determined to return. "When the IRB have gone away and the place has gone back to normal, I'll be bringing back my wife to visit. "It's brilliant. The people are fantastic and the country is lovely." Australian Courtney Talbot is a rare female World Cup visitor - 69 per cent are male - but is in the most common age group, 25 to 29. This is her first visit to New Zealand, and it is a short one - she arrived on Thursday and will be off again tomorrow. "But I definitely want to come back. It's beautiful. It's a beautiful city," Ms Talbot said.

Tournament boss Martin Snedden said attracting visitors to New Zealand was one of the key reasons for hosting the World Cup. "We have seen in the past six weeks that our overseas guests have added hugely to the colour and passion of our match-day crowds so these numbers bear out that they have certainly been here boots and all." Rugby World Cup tickets were sold to more than 100 countries, leading to estimates that New Zealand would get 95,000 tournament visitors. Meanwhile, Visa credit card figures showed the greatest surge of spending was by Irish and French visitors in September.

Australian visitors spent the greatest total, $13 million more than last year. But Irish spending grew 525 per cent, and French by 230 per cent. Vehicle rental and oil spending increased by more than 70 per cent compared with last year through visitors travelling around the country in cars and campervans, said Visa New Zealand country manager Sean Preston.

GO THE AB's !!!

http://coreychalmers.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/adi1331-hero-card-435x177_hr-1.jpg

SYDNEY

October 22nd, 2011, 10:48 AM

"Thank you, New Zealand" - Martin Snedden

NZ HERALD (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/news/article.cfm?c_id=4&objectid=10760908)
5:30 AM Saturday Oct 22, 2011

It's been a really tough last 12 months for New Zealand. The magnitude of the Christchurch disaster and the complexity of the road to recovery have knocked us all. Pike River added to our sadness. On top of that, the economic recession has lasted long and bitten deeper than any of us expected. We've grieved for those directly affected by these events and worried about our country's future. Rugby World Cup 2011 hasn't solved the problems but it has given us some fantastic relief at a time when we needed some form of escape. Our collective efforts have given us just cause to be proud of who we are and, most importantly, to start smiling again. The nation's morale has lifted.

Our thousands of guests have sensed our mood and responded brilliantly, adding rich colour and flavour to this celebration of our national game and our country. We owe them heaps. Maybe the All Blacks will win tomorrow, maybe they won't. I fervently hope they do but, regardless, New Zealand's hosting effort will be rightly regarded as a huge success. The key to that is how people genuinely embraced the notion that great hosting is about taking care of guests first and placing our own needs second. The atmosphere in every stadium has been magical. One day we would discover our Irish heritage, next day we'd become Welsh. What on earth would international TV viewers watching the Georgia versus Romania game have made of so many spectators at that match wearing red or yellow buckets on their heads?

Maybe we've been a bit crazy at times, but we were convincing enough at both Eden Park and Otago Stadium for Brian O'Driscoll to truly believe tens of thousands of Irishmen had made the long trek to New Zealand to support his team. The reality was that it was mostly us Kiwis who had taken his men to our hearts. Every community throughout New Zealand that's had responsibility for hosting a slice of the cup has done so selflessly and with great passion. The Real New Zealand Festival and the showcasing initiatives led by the NZ 2011 Office have been a great success, broadening our focus well beyond rugby to enable thousands of non-rugby Kiwis to enjoy and contribute to the tournament.

Let's celebrate the key role Auckland has played in encouraging people to embrace the tournament. There were some major issues on opening night but Rachael Dacy and her Auckland team have done a great job igniting a vibrant and united city that Aucklanders have long craved. The waterfront, the Fan Trail to Eden Park, the street flags and bunting, the wonderful school projects, all of these and much more helped enormously give this event its mojo. Some said the "stadium of 4 million" concept was fanciful, unachievable. Thankfully, most Kiwis preferred to take up our challenge. The success of this event truly belongs to the people of New Zealand. Our heartfelt thanks to all of you. New Zealand's triumph is rightfully yours to savour.

metroman

October 22nd, 2011, 06:05 PM

The opening ceremony was something else. To do it so well without Christchurch hosting as well. What makes this even so great is that will probably be a springboard to other events, the under 20 soccer world cup in 2015 will probably be fairly big as well. It is interesting to hear comments from an IOC head, saying that New Zealand could probably hold an Olympic games based on what he had seen from this event. It may be a long way off, it is not entirely unfeasible if it was staged as a country.

Gadiri

October 23rd, 2011, 10:08 AM

Let's go France !!!

And good luck All Blacks.

Gadiri

October 23rd, 2011, 01:03 PM

Whate a shame on the referee ! Always the same fault on rucks and 0 penalty ! :ohno:

Congrats all blacks.

Nicco

October 23rd, 2011, 01:36 PM

GO NEW ZEALAND!

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DSC04883 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271633655/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

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DSC05020 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6272154388/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

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DSC05000 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271626385/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

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DSC04931 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271625327/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

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DSC04927 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271624261/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

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DSC04912 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271623305/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

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DSC04947 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271622385/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

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DSC04933 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271621583/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6271620701_0f3638769d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271620701/)
DSC04905 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271620701/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6271619761_73a57b0a62_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271619761/)
DSC04894 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/64718471@N06/6271619761/) by aucklandmusings (http://www.flickr.com/people/64718471@N06/), on Flickr

Langur

October 23rd, 2011, 02:18 PM

God save the Queen!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg/800px-Flag_of_New_Zealand.svg.png

Langur

October 23rd, 2011, 10:51 PM

This is a really well-written BBC blog article that imo says it all:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_union/15405316.stm

Mr_kiwi_fruit

November 22nd, 2011, 08:38 PM

Rugby World Cup visitor numbers put at 133,000
NZ HERALD 5:30 AM Wednesday Nov 23, 2011

The surge of Rugby World Cup visitors outstripped expectations - but the benefits could be mixed as a hangover of weaker tourism lingers through summer. Statistics NZ reported yesterday that 133,000 had ticked a box on their arrival cards to say they were here for the cup, exceeding pre-tournament forecasts of 95,000 World Cup visitors by 40 per cent. But the tally is not simply extra visitors. The actual increase in arrivals compared to last year is less than 80,000 - suggesting 55,000 fewer non-World Cup arrivals than last year, though this does not take into account any World Cup visitors who may have come anyway.

New Zealand Institute of Economic Research principal economist Shamubeel Eaqub said the benefits of the influx were "negligible". Visitor arrivals had been flat in the lead-up to the World Cup, and they could stagnate again during the crucial summer months. "What tends to happen around a big event is people who were going to come to New Zealand anyway [move their trip to] come during the event," he said. "The risk is that as summer unfolds, we won't see as many people from places like South Africa, England and Australia." The benefits were confined to pockets, and businesses outside them lost out. The main winner was, surprisingly, supermarkets - probably because people stayed in to watch games, Mr Eaqub said.

Tourism NZ chief executive Kevin Bowler said a key success of the cup was the good publicity from visiting journalists. "We had a very large programme of targeting media to experience New Zealand beyond the rugby field ... There's nothing more powerful than an independent opinion." The tournament made $269 million in ticket sales, $188 million of it from Kiwis. The $81 million worth bought by overseas visitors covered just over half of the International Rugby Board's hosting fee of $150 million. Tournament organisers expected to be left with a deficit of $39 million. About $1.2 billion in investments went into projects that contributed to the country's hosting of the World Cup, including $555 million in stadium upgrades and more than $200 million in local government expenses. About half of the total was directly funded by taxpayers and ratepayers.