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Taupō District thanked for their support of RWC 2011

Tuesday 22 November 2011, 3:18PM

By Taupo District Council

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RNZ 2011 General Manager Andrew Steele, TDC's RWC 2011 Project Manager Karen Balasoglou, Deputy Mayor Mike Downard, and Mayor Rick Cooper holding the framed image of Eden Park.
RNZ 2011 General Manager Andrew Steele, TDC's RWC 2011 Project Manager Karen Balasoglou, Deputy Mayor Mike Downard, and Mayor Rick Cooper holding the framed image of Eden Park. Credit: Taupo District Council

TAUPO

Rugby New Zealand 2011’s top brass visited Taupō District yesterday to thank the Mayor and Council staff for their support of the Rugby World Cup 2011 Tournament.

The RNZ 2011 Management team are touring the country to thank each region for their assistance in the running the tournament. General Manager, Andrew Steele, said the tournament went without any major hiccups and reached all of its goals, including $269 million in ticket sales and nearly 100,000 international visitors to New Zealand. There was also over 1000 accredited media that came to NZ during the six weeks.

Mr Steele said it would not have been possible without the help of the 18 regions throughout New Zealand. "At the end of the day it was all about having successful partnerships with regions. New Zealand’s 'Stadium of 4 Million' was very much evident as communities got out and supported the tournament, not just our team. Well done Taupō on playing your part in this."

Mr Steele said the tournament grossed eleven times more than the nearest large sporting event ever staged in New Zealand; the 2005 Lions Tour. RNZ 2011 CEO Martin Snedden was unable to attend but sent his apologies and his thanks to Taupō District.

Mr Steele presented Mayor Rick with a framed photograph of Eden Park taken at the moment the Webb Ellis Trophy was presented to All Blacks Captain Richie McCaw.

Mayor Rick Cooper said he is extremely proud of his District and wished to thank his staff for their extra efforts made during this time, and the RWC 2011 Host Coordinating Committee for their governance and support. "I think we made some very good decisions which lead to an enjoyable and profitable time for our district. And who knows whether that American or Welsh tourist who visits Taupō next month was inspired to come here by what they saw on TV and read online."

Deputy Mayor and RWC 2011 Host Committee Chairman, Mike Downard, says despite having a small budget to work with, the committee worked hard to make the most of the opportunity. “Hosting a World Cup like this is a once in a generation opportunity. I think we did everything we could to leverage that opportunity and that is something our District can be proud of.