Frequently Asked Questions

• Why does RWC 2011 need volunteers?

  Thousands of visitors will come to New Zealand for RWC 2011. We need volunteers to be the face of the Tournament, to welcome the visitors, to deliver excellent customer service and to help us make this the best Rugby World Cup in history. This is your chance be part of a highly anticipated worldwide event. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a member of the volunteer team who will showcase New Zealand to the world.

• Will I get paid or reimbursed?

  Volunteers are unpaid members of the RWC 2011 workforce team. Therefore, as a volunteer you will not receive financial reward (such as wages, fees, honorariums, tips, gratuities, paid expenses or reimbursements) for the work you undertake for the event. The rewards are in participation. You will not receive tickets to RWC 2011 matches.

• What is the minimum age?

  As most shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a Police check, you will need to be at least 17 years old at the time of registration.

• What volunteer security checks will there be?

  Most shortlisted applicants will be required to undergo a Police check where RNZ 2011 believes that such a check is reasonably necessary to assist RNZ 2011in determining an applicant's suitability for a role. A recent criminal record will not automatically determine the outcome of your application, each volunteer application will be assessed on its merits.

• How will you communicate with me?

  We will be using electronic communication (the volunteer website and email) for all volunteer information. You will receive regular email correspondence from the RWC 2011 organisers. You may also receive text messages from the Tournament organisers if you provide your mobile phone number. Candidates are also encouraged to visit this volunteer website regularly for information on status updates, schedules and training sessions.

• Can I volunteer if I have any match tickets?

  You can volunteer if you have tickets to the matches. However, you probably won't be able to perform volunteer roles on the day of the match you have tickets for because of the time commitment required.

• Will I need to do any training?

  To ensure volunteers have the necessary skills and information to perform their assigned roles effectively, you will be provided with both general and specific training. The training period varies for each role but volunteers are expected to attend multiple training sessions requiring a total average commitment of about 16 hours. Most training is likely to take place between May and August 2011.
  
  The multi stage training approach is as follows:
  • Workforce Orientation Training
  • Job Specific Training
  • Venue Specific Training
  
  For more information about training, please click here.

• Will I get everything needed for my role?

  You will be provided with a volunteer uniform and accreditation pass which you will be required to wear at all times whilst you are performing your role. During Tournament time you will also be provided with appropriate food and refreshments during your shifts and any specific equipment your role may require.

• What role and venue will I be assigned to?

  We will try to accommodate your role and venue preferences. However, you could be assigned to perform other roles if we believe you have the required skills, knowledge and experience to complete the role. Your approval will be sought before you are assigned to any role other than that which you applied for.
  

• How do I register?

  All volunteer registrations must be completed online via https://volunteer.rugbyworldcup.com.
  
  Please ensure you have thoroughly read the information provided on this website before registering.
  
  If you need help with the registration process, please see our step by step guidelines.
  
  For further assistance you can also contact your local library or i-SITE (New Zealand only).

• When should I register?

  It is not too late to register as a volunteer. We are still recruiting volunteers throughout New Zealand and volunteers registrations have not closed. Click here to register now.

• What roles are you recruiting for?

  There are a variety of different roles both inside and outside the venue. Some of the roles require specific knowledge, skills and experience for the matches to be run and others require people who are passionate about their local area and country and can provide excellent customer service to visitors and spectators. Please click here for a list of roles by functional area.
  

• Which roles should I apply for?

  You should only apply for roles for which you have the relevant skills and experience. Many volunteer roles are quite specialised and will require qualified applicants. While some training will be provided, try to match your own abilities and experience with the roles you are applying for. Please only select up to three roles during the registration process. Where possible, we will try to assign you a volunteer role in accordance with the three preferences you indicated in your application.
  

• What if I don’t have a computer/web access?

  You can register at your local library or i-SITE where staff will be able to provide some assistance through the process. Alternatively you can purchase internet time at an internet cafe.
  

• What if I don’t have an email address?

  We require all applicants to have an email address so we can contact them directly. This needs to be a separate email address for each person so no more than one person can use an email address. If you don't have your own email address, you should create an email address before beginning the registration process. There are a number of high quality email providers that have free email accounts like; Gmail, Hotmail and Yahoo. Your local library or i-SITE will be able to assist with this process.
  

• If I can't complete the application myself?

  Someone else can assist you with the application process. This could be a friend, family member or someone from your local library or i-SITE.

• Can I volunteer if I have special needs?

  Yes. There will be opportunities for people of all abilities to be involved. Please indicate any specific requirements under medical conditions during the registration process.

• Is preference given if I signed up earlier?

  Everyone who signed up for the Volunteer Alerts will be advised by email when the application process opens. There is no preferential treatment. We will select people based on a set selection criteria. The selection process will commence in September 2010 and everyone who has registered by then will be considered.

• What are the selection criteria?

  The selection criteria will vary for different roles but generally it will be based on skills, attributes appropriate to the role, experience in relation to the requirements of the role, previous volunteering and availability.

• Can I volunteer away from where I live?

  You can apply to volunteer in your home town (if there are roles there), or somewhere else in New Zealand. You will need to provide your own accommodation so preference may be given to people who live or have access to accommodation in the relevant region.
  

• Where are interviews being held?

  Interviews will be held in all host regions across the country. Applicants are responsible for covering their own cost of travel and accommodation to the nearest interview location.
  

• How do I know my registration was received?

  You will receive an email to the email address you provided confirming that your registration has been received.
  

• What if I don't receive a confirmation email?

  Yes, our emails may be mistaken for spam, or unsolicited mail. And either blocked or sent to your 'Junk' folders. You can fix this by adding us (noreply@rugbynz2011.com and mail@rugbyworldcupnews.com) to your address book. For instructions on how to set up an email filter, please check the help file in your email application.
  

• When will I find out if I’ve been selected?

  Most people will find out if they have been selected between February – May 2011. We thank you in advance for your patience as we process the applications. Please note we are unable to answer individual enquiries on the status of applications.

• Can I volunteer from overseas?

  Given the requirements for selection, training and induction we will need most Volunteers to be in New Zealand from June 2011 onwards. Please note that anyone coming to New Zealand to volunteer for the RWC 2011 must secure their own travel and accommodation while in New Zealand.
  
  Immigration policies do not provide for a visa or permit to be granted to come to New Zealand for the sole purpose of volunteering. However, Immigration New Zealand's advice is that if you have a student permit, visitor permit, or work permit* and you are in New Zealand, you can volunteer providing you do not receive any gain or reward for the activity you volunteer for i.e. a payment or benefit. If your intention is to receive a gain or reward i.e. any payment or benefit such as board and lodging or goods (e.g. food, clothing and services) that can be valued in terms of money, then you are not considered to be a volunteer.
  
  Immigration New Zealand advises that if you do receive any gain or reward, unless you have open work conditions on your permit, you will be in breach of your permit. For example:
  
  1. If you are required to wear a uniform as part of your role, and you were provided with that uniform by the organisation, you would not have received any gain or reward and would not be in breach of your permit.
  
  2. If you are given a clothing voucher in exchange for your voluntary activity, then you would have received a reward and you would be in breach of your permit.
  
  * Any volunteer activity work permit holders carry out must be over and above any paid work they undertake.
  
  Please contact Immigration New Zealand for further information.

• What happens after I submit my application?

  We will try to match your interests with the volunteer opportunities available. If you're shortlisted, we'll contact you. As volunteers with different skills may be required for each phase in the run-up to the Tournament, we may contact each of you at different times. If you have not heard from us, please be patient. This means we're still trying our best to match you to the most appropriate volunteer opportunity. When one becomes available, we'll be sure to get in touch with you.

• What if my contact/personal details change?

  Please login and update your details on the online registration system immediately. Login with the username and password you used to submit your original registration.

• Can I contact someone about my application?

  We hope that most of your questions can be answered on this website! If you are having a technical issue however, please contact the Help Desk on 0800 RWC VOL (0800 792 865) from 9am to 5pm (NZ time).

• How do I withdraw my registration?

  You can withdraw from the Volunteer Programme online. To withdraw, login with the username and password you used to submit your registration and check the "I no longer wish to be a Volunteer for Rugby World Cup 2011" on the additional information page.

• Is there a help line?

  If you have any questions you can call the Help Desk on 0800 RWC VOL (0800 792 865) from 8.30am to 5pm (NZ time).

• Is accommodation provided?

  Accommodation will not be provided to volunteers. If needed, you will be required to arrange your own accommodation. As a guideline, your accommodation should be located within a 60-minute drive of where you will be working.
  

• Is transport provided?

  Where necessary and practicable transport will be provided for volunteers to get from their local public transport hub to and from their place of volunteer work. Transport will not be provided for volunteers to volunteer in another part of the country (or to get to New Zealand if you are from overseas).
  

• Is there a uniform and can I keep it?

  There will be a volunteer uniform that you will be able to keep after the event. This will clearly identify you as a RWC 2011 volunteer. We will endeavour to ensure you are appropriately attired given the time of year and the requirement for most volunteers to work in the evenings.
  

• What if I lose my uniform or accreditation?

  The uniform issued to you is a controlled item. Volunteers without uniforms will not be allowed to work. Uniform replacement is unlikely but it will be at the Tournament Organisers discretion. If you do not have accreditation you will not be able to work.
  

• Will I get to see any of the matches?

  It is extremely unlikely that you will see any RWC 2011 matches as a volunteer. If you really want to see a match, please visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/tickets.
  

• What is accreditation/access for volunteers?

  Accreditation is a special pass required to give you access into certain areas. All volunteers will be accredited. Access will vary depending on the role you are asked to perform.
  

• Will volunteers get to meet the players?

  It is highly unlikely that you will meet any of the teams or players in your volunteer role.
  

• Will I have to pay for my own meals?

  Depending on the length of each shift, most volunteers will be provided with meals and refreshments during training days as well as during your shifts.
  

• What if I don't turn up?

  We are confident that you will be committed and turn up. In the event of a 'no show', we will conduct an investigation into the reasons for the 'no show'. If the reasons are unsatisfactory, you will have to return all uniform, equipment, and accreditation passes issued and will no longer be permitted to work.

• What happens if I withdraw after training?

  You may decide to withdraw anytime. However, you must return all uniform and equipment, and accreditation passes issued to you. Please give us as much notice as possible so we can find a replacement for your role.
  

• Must I have manual licence as a Fleet Driver?

  No. There are two automatic vehicle types you can drive: sedans and people movers. Manual transmission vehicles will be minivans and cargo vans. See table below for an outline of service level, vehicle type and location.
  
  Manual transmission
  
  

  Service Level	Vehicle	Driver Allocation	Location
  T1	Minivan	Dedicated	Based with Team
  T1	Cargo Van	Dedicated	Based with Team
  T2 / T3	Minivan	Pool	Based at Fleet Centre
  T2 / T3	Cargo Van	Pool	Based at Fleet Centre

  
  Automatic transmission
  
  

  Service Level	Vehicle	Driver Allocation	Location
  T1	People Mover	Dedicated	Based with Team
  T1	Sedan	Dedicated	Based with VIP
  T2 / T3	People Mover	Pool	Fleet Centre
  T2 / T3	Sedan	Pool	Fleet Centre