Rugby World Cup preparations begin in earnest

After securing the hosting rights for three teams during the 2011 Rugby World Cup – South Africa, Ireland and Wales - the committee in charge of overseeing preparations and organising events in Taupo district during the Cup is formed and ready to go.

The inaugural meeting held on Monday 29 March 2010 saw the Committee of Council formally adopt its Terms of Reference, elect Councillor Mich’eal Downard as Chairman, and elect King Country Rugby CEO David Trewavas into the Deputy Chair position.

Chairman Clr Downard says he is very pleased with calibre of Taupo District’s RWC2011 Host Co-ordination Committee. “With Rex Connor and David Trewavas representing both Taupo sub-union and King Country Rugby; David Steele who is heavily involved in sports management; senior representatives from Ngati Tuwharetoa, ex New Zealand Maori Jim Maniapoto and Chulla Wall, kaumatua to past NZ Maori rugby teams; Seamus O’Sullivan from the visitor and events industry; Principal Rachel Chater representing the districts schools; and my fellow councillor, Clr Doreen Blyth who also represents the Taupo International Relations Committee.” Mayor Rick Cooper is also involved ex-officio.

Chairman Clr Downard says one of the first actions of the committee will be to bring together stakeholders from throughout the district to ensure all relevant agencies and individuals that will have key roles to play are part of the preparations right from the start.

He says the Committee already has a long list of relevant parties and will invite them to attend a joint meeting with the committee as soon as possible. “This will allow us to have a meeting of minds, let people know where we are in our planning process, and have discussions on what the event will require in the way of preparation and resources. I know there are lots of groups very keen to be involved and we need to build strong partnerships to create the very best event and visitor experience possible.”

The overall objectives of the Committee are to co-ordinate and oversee preparations to host the visiting teams and to manage the ‘fan zones’. Clr Downard says opportunities like this only come along every twenty to thirty years. “So we need to take every opportunity to promote the game of rugby, and also to showcase our stunning and culturally rich district to the world.”