Mayors of the 23 centres across New Zealand welcomed yesterday's news that they will play host to at least one of the 20 teams participating in Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).
In Auckland, praise for the announcement was united by the mayors of Auckland City, the North Shore and Rodney, who will collectively host 12 teams. Rodney Mayor Penny Webster said the news that the news was fantastic for the district and the wide Auckland region.
"New Zealanders were promised that communities all across the country would been given a chance to share in the excitement of the Rugby World Cup and today's announcement of team and training bases confirms this," she explained.
"This is not only great news for all Rugby fans in Rodney, but also for all the businesses, schools and communities right across our district who will get an opportunity to participate and benefit from RWC 2011."
Taupo Mayor Rick Cooper told the media that he was "over the moon" that his town would be hosting Wales, Ireland and South Africa.
"This is such fantastic news. We've got three of the world's finest international Rugby teams, including the world champs, staying with us! Let's roll out the red carpet and welcome these guys.
"We really punch above our weight as a town. The three teams that visited Taupo were all really impressed with the level of our facilities for such a small population. We are very good at supporting local events and occasions, and I know we'll all make them all feel very welcome."
In the capital city,
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast also called for a red carpet reception for visiting teams; likening RWC 2011 to the international film premieres Wellington is now famous for hosting.
"Knowing who we'll be hosting has added new impetus to our plans for the Tournament, and will enable an even greater level of engagement with the World Cup for residents in the region. I am certain the region will rise to the challenge of making the teams feel 'at home'," she said.
The Mayor of Blenheim Alistair Sowman said the announcement that his town would host a European qualifier was a "win-win" for the region, regardless of which team will qualify, and was encouraged by the tourism and media interest that the Tournament will generate for the region.
"... it will be a chance to showcase Marlborough's resources and hospitality to a new audience ... depending on which country we're allocated, it may be the chance for Marlborough to begin a new relationship with a country which doesn't yet have close ties with New Zealand."
Further South in Christchurch, Mayor Bob Parker was thrilled to be hosting six teams including Rugby powerhouses Australia and England, exclaiming "the Rugby gods have smiled on our city".
"Given how many Aussies will visit, and the Barmy Army, we will have a fantastic crowd and the build up we've dreamt of.
"We should be looking to expect between 30,000 and 60,000 around the city; it will be fantastic."
The tourism resort of Queenstown was also thrilled to be hosting three teams including England and Ireland and is looking forward to developing itself as a "host destination" for RWC 2011 teams and visiting fans.
Queenstown Mayor Clive Geddes praised the news saying "We are a district of relatively small communities that are being given a tremendous opportunity to play a big part in the Rugby World Cup."
Yesterday's announcement has reaffirmed the commitment that Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) has made to the country, that this will be a Tournament for all to enjoy. The response from the regions suggests that in 2011, New Zealand really will become a "Stadium of Four Million".
Sources: Dominion Post, Marlborough Express, NZPA, Otago Daily Times, Radio NZ, The Press, The Scene, Voxy.
