Waitakere hopes for slice of rugby world cup action

Waitakere hopes to be a major player in Rugby World Cup 2011 by providing one of the key training venues at the Trusts Stadium, which the All Blacks have used as a training base in the past.

The Auckland region - supported by Waitakere - has bid to host two quarter-finals and the bronze final, with Waitakere City Council putting forward the Trusts stadium as a training venue for international teams.

The Waitakere Stadium complex is regarded as one of the best training venues in the country. It incorporates the Trusts Stadium (New Zealand’s largest indoor sports facility), the Douglas Track and Field (a first class football field with grandstand and, soon, floodlighting) and several other training fields.

“Obviously we’d be delighted if we got to host the All Blacks but Waitakere is fully behind the Rugby World Cup and we’ll be pleased to host any team,” says Mayor Bob Harvey.

“This is an unsurpassed training venue and if it can contribute to the success of any team, that will enrich the whole World Cup,” he says.

The Trusts Stadium has developed an excellent reputation in hosting international events, the most recent of which was the 2007 Netball World Championships.

The stadium is close to Auckland city by motorway, close to the Lincoln Road and Te Atatu on and off ramps and has ample parking.

Waitakere is also a key proponent of public transport and believes that there will be excellent access by both bus and train.

“The games aside, we also support and will be a part of being a host region,” says Mayor Harvey.

“This is not just about the players on the field. Tens of thousands of tourists will flock to New Zealand and Auckland and the international media spotlight will be on us. This is another opportunity to show the world that whatever we do, we do well.

“Waitakere will be part of a region that provides impeccable hospitality. We want this region to rock and we’ll be doing our best to attract tourists into Waitakere to show them what hospitality is really all about,” he says

“Our major point of difference culturally is probably that we are the eco city – with the Waitakere Ranges as a major attraction. Many tourists will want to come out here just for that reason. And of course, we have a natural connection with the wine industry – and a centre for the arts.”