Martin Snedden: Maxing the Result

Imagine being in charge of an events company that, from the outset, was expected to lose millions of dollars.

On the night of October 23rd 2011, anxious All Black fans endured the heart-stopping final of the Rugby World Cup when the All Blacks narrowly prevailed over France and again lifted the Webb Ellis Cup. Watching from the stands that night was Martin Snedden, the Chief Executive of Rugby World Cup 2011 Ltd, who was charged with organising and delivering an event that would captivate rugby fans all over the world.

Hastings District Libraries are hosting a breakfast with Martin Snedden on Thursday 13 September, 7.30am at the Ellwood Function Centre, home of Hastings Rugby and Sports Club.

Hastings District Libraries Promotions Coordinator, Carla Crosbie, says “Martin’s upcoming book, ‘A Stadium of 4 Million’ provides a brilliant breakdown of the World Cup - an event which exceeded expectations in almost every way.”

“Having Martin visit Hastings during his whirlwind book tour is a great opportunity for sports fans, business people and regular kiwis to hear his story of how a vision was turned into stunning reality.”

Barbara Jenkinson, of the Hastings Rugby and Sports Club says they are excited to be partnering with the libraries to make this event happen.

“Martin is well known in the sporting community and his talk will appeal to sports fans on many levels.”

Martin Snedden will take you on a journey beginning with the successful bid in 2005 to host the World Cup, through the development of the tournament, and then to the matches which culminated in a thrilling final at Eden Park in Auckland.

The ‘Stadium of Four Million’ had delivered something very special and New Zealanders provided a wonderful welcome and enduring memories for our 133,000 international Rugby World Cup visitors.

Tickets to Martin Snedden’s breakfast talk are $20.00 and available at the Hastings, Flaxmere and Havelock North Libraries and at the Ellwood Function Centre. For more information see www.hastingslibrary.co.nz

About the author

A lawyer by profession, Martin Snedden has always had a passion for cricket and rugby. From 1980 to 1990 he represented Auckland and New Zealand at cricket. In all, he played 25 tests and 93 one day internationals and represented New Zealand in two cricket world cups.

Martin was CEO of New Zealand Cricket for nearly six years to 2007, his tenure encompassing top-five rankings for the Black Caps but also marked by the turbulence of terrorist attacks and player contract negotiations.

From 2007 to 2011, he headed Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd, which successfully organised and delivered the 2011 Rugby World Cup. In June 2012 he took up the role of CEO of the Tourism Industry Association.

Martin was made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year Honours in 2012. Martin is married to Annie, and they have four children.