Media release
12 March 2009

Auckland launches RWC 2011 Business Opportunities Guide

The Auckland region has today launched an online Business Opportunities Guide aimed at providing local businesses with the information they need to cash in on Rugby World Cup 2011.

The guide has been developed by AucklandPlus, with funding from the Auckland region and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. It is supported by the Auckland Regional Chamber of commerce.

Auckland regional Rugby World Cup spokesperson and AucklandPlus Chairman Michael Barnett says the Business Opportunities Guide is the first step in a comprehensive economic development programme to ensure Auckland reaps maximum benefit from Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

The guide is accessible from today online at www.auckland2011.com/business.

“We want to help local businesses of all types and sizes gear up for Rugby World Cup 2011 and make the most of the opportunities to generate a commercial return.

“This guide will introduce the commercial opportunities to businesses in the Auckland region, demonstrate how the tournament can be a catalyst for commercial gain and provide advice on building business capability to participate,” he says.

The guide is a regional initiative which is part of Auckland’s collaborative approach to preparing for RWC 2011. That approach includes a regional economic development workstream led by AucklandPlus, the region’s economic development agency.

Mr Barnett says over time the Business Opportunities Guide will include:

o Information for small to medium enterprises interested in accessing the supply chains related to Rugby World Cup 2011
o Information on the tournament and its organisers, match locations, visitor demographics and projected direct economic impact for Auckland
o Information on the types of commercial opportunities that exist around the event including opportunities for Maori and Pacific Island enterprises. Opportunities will include supplying goods and services as a contractor, becoming a sub-contractor, supplying the wider RWC family (tournament sponsors, host cities, broadcasters, corporate hospitality providers, participating rugby nations and their sponsors, etc)
o Business advice on how to incorporate RWC 2011 into business strategies and plans
o A checklist to capitalise on the opportunities
o Training tips including links to specific training courses and skills development opportunities.

“We will be working with tournament organisers to make sure the guide provides up-to-date and accurate information on the commercial opportunities. It will be updated regularly,” Mr Barnett says.

Mr Barnett says while RWC 2011 is a national event, with a total of 12 matches including the opening match, semi finals and final, Auckland will clearly be the hub of the tournament.

“To me it all adds up to an unprecedented opportunity for Auckland. When I look at the current economic climate, it is clearly an opportunity we cannot afford to miss. But I believe that with the match allocation we have and the size and scope of our business sector Auckland is well placed to realise the economic potential of this mega event.”

Mr Barnett says future facets of Auckland’s RWC 2011 economic development programme will focus on developing international linkages, more work on creating opportunities for business and building skills and talent.

Auckland’s Business Opportunities Guide was launched at a function at Auckland’s Eden Park today and was endorsed by Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd CEO Martin Snedden.

Ends

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