The Rugby World Cup and Infrastructre

Infrastructre is one of the main priorities the National government has identified in its aim to lift New Zealands economic performance. From 2010 the government has allocated $7.5 billion to new capital spending until 2015, in addition to the $5.3 billion transport spending and the $30 billion that local authorities will spend, predominantly on infrastrucutre over the next ten years. If the Rugby World Cup represents an opportunity to lift the international profile of New Zealand, then our infrastructure will need also need to reflect that of a nation able to host major sporting events.

As one of the largest sporting events to ever grace our lands, with the expected benefits of over $500 million in GDP, a significant television audience, a considerable influx of international tourists, and a domestic population with rugby as one of their so called 'religions' our infrastructure will be sorely tested in terms of their resilience and most importantly their capacity.

With the benefits in mind and our reputation as a country at stake the World Cup must act as a catalyst for the creation of infrastructure that not only meets the needs of this years tournament but also builds on the capability of New Zealand to host major events in the future. The government has signalled it intentions towards the World Cup, in terms of infrastructure through the joint purchase of the Auckland Queen's Wharf, the contribution of $190 million to the redevelopment of Eden Park, assisstance with the upgrades to Trafalgar Park in Nelson, Okara Park in Whangarei, and the development of a new stadium in Dunedin. In terms of transportation the government has also been involved with the Newmarket Viaduct Upgrade, and the upgraded rail link to Kingsland and Morningside stations near Eden Park.

In terms of Local Authorities they too have implemented a range of infrastructure projects in preperation for the Rugby World Cup. When we look to Wellington for an example they have a range of initiatives that have been brought about by the World Cup. This includes:

• Upgraded links between Wellington's CBD and Wellington Regional Stadium
• Construction of Te Whaea artificial training surface
• Phase two and three of the Aotea and Waterloo Quay upgrade that includes the pedestrian link for cruise ships.

Waterloo Quay Development

Private sector initiatives in relation to the Rugby World Cup in Wellington also include:

• Development/extension of the Wellington International Airport terminal
• The introduction of 61 trolley buses
• Electrification and track improvements to the Wellington regional rail network including 70 new rail units
• Wellington waterfront improvements including a campervan park at Site 11 and public toilet upgrades.

In Auckland, infrastructure has also been a key issue. As eluded to before the redevlopment of Eden Park has been one of the main issues of both the Auckland Council and central government. However, in terms of transport there have been huge infrastructural investments within Auckland. This includes:

• The Kingsland Station upgrade
• Improvements to Sandringham Road
• The creation of a link between Sandringham and Walters road
• The Manukau Harbour Crossing (cuts 20 mins off travel from the Airport)

Kingsland Train Station Upgrade

SH20 Manukau Harbour Crossing

Training venues for the teams participating and staying in Auckland over the course of the tournament have also been upgraded. These improvements have come in the form of higher quality fiels, better lighting and facilities of the Western Springs, Onewa Domain, and Mt Smart Stadiums to ensure a world class experience for the teams.

Essentially without high quality infrastructure there would be no way that we could effectively host the World Cup and present ourselves to the world in the way we want. The Rugby World Cup presents huge opportunities for, not only Auckland, but a range of centres throughout New Zealand. Furthermore, with the increased expenditure on infrastructure we reap the benefits of the facilities in the long term. This is something that cannot be debated.