Plans for a Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Fan Zone in Wellington will offer visitors a unique New Zealand cultural experience.
The proposed Fan Zone aims to create a Rugby village centred around the Wharewaka (canoe house), being built on a site near the national museum - Te Papa - on the city's waterfront. It is scheduled for completion in January 2011.
The Rugby village base would be the first major use of the new facility and visitors would be offered a range of cultural activities including carvings, performances and an interactive history display.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said the plan would give Wellington's RWC 2011 village an enviable edge. "The village concept is a familiar one for many sports events but we believe the Wharewaka will provide something unique and special for both visitors and Wellingtonians."
The $11 million Wharewaka, currently under construction, has been designed to house two ceremonial waka (canoes), exhibition and function areas, a café and a limited number of offices.
The plans are yet to be finalised by the Wellington City Council and require further approval from Tournament organisers Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd (RNZ 2011) in conjunction with Tournament owners Rugby World Cup Ltd, to ensure consistency with 'Fan Zones' that will be set up across the country.
"We want visitors and locals alike to have the best possible RWC 2011 experience no matter where they are in New Zealand," RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden says.
"I think Wellington's Rugby village will provide a fantastic focal point for fans to share in the excitement of the Tournament and I am sure visitors to the city in particular will take away great memories of what looks like being a uniquely Kiwi experience."
The Wharewaka has been designed by architects Architecture+ to appear as if a korowai (cloak) has been thrown over the roof and is sited between the former Free Ambulance building and the Wellington Rowing Club, near the Taranaki Street wharf.
More details on plans for Wellington's Rugby village base will be announced as they are finalised.