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Rugby planning pays off in New Plymouth

Monday 26 September 2011, 10:00PM

By New Zealand Police

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NEW PLYMOUTH

The final whistle has blown on the New Plymouth phase of the Rugby World Cup and police staff are being praised for playing their part in a smooth-running and peaceful operation.

Tonight Wales took on Namibia in the last of three matches to take place in the Taranaki city. It is the culmination of nearly two years of planning by police in New Plymouth along with the Rugby World Cup organisers and other key partners. Over the last two weeks, five teams and thousands of fans from their respective countries have been hosted by New Plymouth. The number of rugby-related arrests can be counted on one hand with no arrests at any of the games and a negligible number of arrests post-match.

Central District Police Superintendent Russell Gibson said: "I am so proud of the superb efforts of my staff who pulled together and executed a quality plan. It hasn't just been about the games; it's been about the whole policing response. I have had excellent feedback about the professionalism of the police staff and their friendly interaction with the fans which has promoted a peaceful, party atmosphere with minimal disorder and arrests. They are a credit to the service and have been a fantastic advertisement for policing in New Zealand."

There have been no arrests or evictions at tonight's game at Stadium Taranaki.

Area Commander for New Plymouth Inspector Blair Telford said: "The tournament has provided an opportunity for staff here in Taranaki to engage with the public and showcase our city to thousands. They have enjoyed it as much as everyone else."

Although the New Plymouth phase is at an end, Central District's role in the Rugby World Cup is not yet over. The Palmerston North policing operation kicked off today with the arrival of Georgia, Romania and Argentina in Palmerston North for matches on Wednesday and Sunday.