Auckland's preparation for Rugby World Cup 2011

Background

England supporter at  All Blacks vs England game

Waitakere City Council is working with key organisations from throughout the Auckland region to help prepare for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

The Auckland region's focus is to ensure RWC 2011 is an event that all Aucklanders' can be proud of, be involved in and benefit from.

Held every four years, RWC is the third biggest sporting event in the world. The 2011 tournament has an estimated television audience of more than four billion people worldwide.

We expect at least 60,000 international visitors to come to New Zealand with Auckland as the main entry point. About 2000 international media are also expected to be in New Zealand.

RWC 2011 has the potential to generate $315 million of direct economic benefits for the Auckland region. It will be a catalyst for major infrastructure improvements providing long-term benefits for residents, eg a revitalised city centre, new roads and upgraded public transport.

All Black Mils Muliaina runs with the ball

The facts

• New Zealand won the hosting rights to RWC 2011 on 17 November 2005.
• Twenty countries will participate in the 2011 tournament, playing 48 games.
• It will be held across New Zealand over a six-week period in September and October 2011.
• The final will be held at Eden Park in Auckland over Labour weekend (October 22-23).
  Eden Park has also been confirmed as the venue for the semifinals the weekend before.
• Organisational responsibilities will be shared between the International Rugby Board (IRB), Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011), Government, local authorities and key sporting stadiums around the country.
• RNZ 2011 is due to name the pool match venues in March 2009, with a shortlist of team base options confirmed by June 2009.

For more information on Auckland's preparations for RWC 2011 visit www.auckland2011.com - the official site of the organisations who are preparing the Auckland region for this "festival of rugby".

Latest News

Waitakere's Preparations

The tournament will see the world's finest players in action, with a festival atmosphere for fans and locals alike

While Waitakere won't be hosting any games, locals still have the opportunity to be involved through various opportunities:

• Volunteering
• Fan Zone
• Adopt a 2nd Team

Key Details

Volunteering

Like many major events, the success of the tournament will be down to its volunteers. There are many official and non-official volunteer positions available.

To register go to www.rugbyworldcup.com or send an email to volunteer@rugbynz2011.com

Over 5000 volunteers will be required throughout New Zealand and training will be provided to enhance your skills and abilities.

Fan Zone

A free fan zone will be set up at The Trusts Stadium Arena for locals and visitors. The fan zone will operate on game days from the Quarter Finals to Finals, and will include all pre and post game build ups.

Weather won't be a factor for us with this wonderful indoor facility!

Zones will be set up for the family and R18's and there will be plenty of food, music and activities to keep even non-rugby fans happy.

Watch this space for design concepts in early 2010.

Adopt a 2nd Team

Here is a chance for locals to come together and adopt another team besides the All Blacks.

Support a minnow nation, or become French, South African or even Japanese for the duration. Send your teams messages of support, buy tickets to watch their games or get family and friends together and try some new experiences like:

• Food
• Language
• Music
• Customs

Challenge your neighbours, businesses and communities to get involved.