27 November 2006

Time to get on with Rugby World Cup 2011

Mayor of Auckland city Dick Hubbard says he is pleased that the city now has certainty over hosting the Rugby World Cup 2011 and looks forward to getting Auckland in shape for the third biggest sporting event in the world.

"The last fortnight has been one of the busiest and most exciting times of our city's history. There hasn't been as much discussion around the dinner tables since perhaps the Auckland Harbour Bridge debate," Mayor Dick Hubbard said. "The city has been crackling with passion."

"Cabinet's decision today to give Eden Park the green light for hosting the games for the Rugby World Cup 2011 allows us to get on with detailed discussions about funding, governance and the design of the stadium.

"Auckland City will also get on with preparing the city to host the world cup and other major events, and continue to advocate for public access to the waterfront.

"I want to thank everyone involved in the mammoth task of making a decision given the short timeframe we worked within - Minister of Rugby World Cup 2011 Hon. Trevor Mallard, Cabinet Ministers, my fellow councillors, ARC councillors, Rob Fisher and the Eden Park Trust Board and members of the public."

"Auckland City will be ready for the world in 2011, " he said. "This council will do everything to get in behind the event and I urge the public to pull together to support it too."

He also added that it was his responsibility as Mayor of Auckland City to ensure that his ratepayers aren't exposed to a huge financial cost for the stadium.

The resource consent hearing for Eden Park is scheduled for 30 November.

ENDS

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