Making it happen
The Government has established strong partnerships with the New Zealand Rugby Union and other groups to ensure New Zealand realises the full potential of hosting Rugby World Cup 2011.
The Tournament needs to be a highly successful, well-run event for New Zealand to capitalise on the opportunities it presents and the Government is committing considerable time and resources to make sure this happens.
Partnership with the New Zealand Rugby Union
The bid to host Rugby World Cup 2011 was a partnership between the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) and the Government, through Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC). The Joint Bid Office was established in early 2005 to develop and finalise a bid based on a 50:50 share of costs, which totalled about $3.2 million.
Following the success of the bid in November that year, the Government and the NZRU each made cash contributions of $20 million and $10 million respectively. We also set up an interim RWC Establishment Board to govern until a permanent tournament management vehicle could be established.
Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited
Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ 2011) was established in June 2006 as a joint venture, limited liability company, based on a 50/50 partnership between the Government and the NZRU.
RNZ 2011 is responsible for planning and delivering the Rugby World Cup, on behalf of its primary stakeholders and in conjunction with Rugby World Cup Limited and the IRB.
The Board was chaired by NZRU Chairman Jock Hobbs up until May 2010 when he stood down because of health issues. Deputy chair Brian Roche has taken over that role. The board comprises two NZRU appointed directors (Steve Tew and Chris Moller), three Crown representatives (Brian Roche, John Wells and Paul Collins) and two independent directors (Sir Ron Carter and Julie Christie).
Former CEO of New Zealand Cricket Martin Snedden was appointed Chief Executive of RNZ 2011 in December 2006.
RWC Co-ordination Office
The delivery of an excellent tournament and visitor experience requires effort from a wide range of government agencies. The RWC Co-ordination Office within the Ministry of Economic Development has been established to co-ordinate core government services to ensure New Zealand is ready on all fronts, from border control and security to transport and infrastructure.
New Zealand 2011 Office
The New Zealand 2011 Office is part of the Ministry of Economic Development and works closely with RNZ 2011 Ltd. The Office is responsible for delivering the Government’s leverage plan, and its main focus areas are the REAL New Zealand Festival, and a business engagement programme which includes Sector Showcasing and the NZ 2011 Business Club.
Major Events Management Act
The Major Events Management Act (MEMA) was created in 2007 to protect organisers and sponsors of major international events being held in New Zealand.
Its aim is to prevent ambush marketing - unauthorised association between a major event and a brand, good or service - by protecting the use of key event emblems and words, and providing ‘clean zones’ around stadia where unauthorised advertising is prohibited.
The Act also prohibits ticket scalping and people invading the pitch or throwing objects onto playing surfaces. The Act will help enhance New Zealand’s reputation as a major events destination.
Read the Major Events Management Act (8.5 MB)
