Showcasing and celebrating

Rugby World Cup 2011 will be much more than a series of high profile test matches.  For six weeks locals and visitors alike will experience the best New Zealand has to offer.  Our mission is to create an unforgettable programme across the country that excites and entertains for the duration of the tournament.

Supporting the regions

The regions have committed significant energy and resources into planning festival events and developing economic leveraging plans.

The Government has a key role in coordinating and promoting this work, and has established a specialist team co-located with RNZ 2011 Ltd to roll out the economic leverage programme.  This team will co-ordinate the government’s investment in a national festival, a volunteer and hosting programme and a business hosting programme (Business 2011 Club).

Showcasing strategy

The Government is implementing a showcasing programme where top New Zealand businesses, industries, and arts and culture groups can host visiting rugby fans and business people.

With games spread around 13 venues, the aim is to enable every sector and region to tell its own story and showcase its best.

Nation of four million hosts

The ‘stadium of four million’ concept is often talked about but in 2011 we also want to welcome the world as a ‘nation of four million hosts’.  Our hosting programme will encourage all New Zealanders to engage in RWC 2011 in some way, and to ensure that every visitor enjoys a warm and uniquely New Zealand experience.

Volunteers

In 2011 thousands of Kiwis will have the chance of a lifetime to be part of a team of volunteers and hosts who make Rugby World Cup 2011 special.  There will be many voluntary roles to fill – from making sure things run smoothly at the grounds on game days, to supporting festival events, fan zones and business events.

The volunteering and hosting programme will be looking for people with enthusiasm, dedication and commitment. Most will be recruited online through a volunteer recruitment portal to be launched in 2010. After the tournament, the portal will be used by other event organisers and potentially the wider voluntary sector in New Zealand, making it part of the event’s legacy.

Likewise, we hope the volunteers trained for 2011 will go on to share the skills and knowledge they gain from the experience with other events and community organisations in the future.

Volunteering and hosting in 2011 is a unique opportunity to instil new levels of confidence and leadership in young New Zealanders.

Environmental responsibility

Part of being a good host is being environmentally responsible.  This is especially true for New Zealand as we take great pride in our clean, green image.

Maintaining our reputation for stringent environmental standards will be an integral part of our RWC 2011 activities.  We’ll work closely with regional groups and give them the tools and resources they need to ensure RWC 2011 events in their area are well managed and environmentally sound.

Off-shore promotion

Tourism New Zealand has been running a number of campaigns to build New Zealand’s profile as the host of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

During Rugby World Cup 2007 in France it installed a giant inflatable rugby ball under the Eiffel Tower to act as a giant billboard for New Zealand.  A year later, the ball was installed next to London’s Tower Bridge during a high-profile All Blacks tour.  Media coverage of the giant rugby ball’s unexpected appearances led to millions of people hearing about New Zealand and its role as host in 2011.  Further venues are being planned before 2011.

Play the giant rugby ball video