Murray McCully has granted urgent approval to extend the Queens Wharf RWC fanzone, clearing the way for the Government's NZ2011 office to operate an expanded area including Captain Cook Wharf and associated waterfront areas in downtown Auckland.
Murray McCully has granted urgent approval to extend the Queens Wharf RWC fanzone, clearing the way for the Government’s NZ2011 office to operate an expanded area including Captain Cook Wharf and associated waterfront areas in downtown Auckland.
His decision follows yesterday's hearing on the application by the RWC Authority chaired by Sir Bruce Robertson.
The Minister says he has granted approval without any modification to the recommendations of the Authority. He says Auckland Mayor Len Brown has been consulted - he was not aware of Mr McCully's moves earlier this week to take control of the fanzone - and says Auckland Council agencies have worked closely with officials in drawing up plans.
The Minister emphasised that putting the new arrangements in place prior to this weekend was "entirely precautionary."
"No doubt some elements of the media will wish to focus on redundant capacity on the waterfront this weekend. That is intentional. We need to rebuild public confidence starting this weekend.”
“However, the following weekend when the All Blacks play France at Eden Park and with an expanded music and entertainment programme at the waterfront I expect that the new facilities will be strongly in demand, with the quarters, semi finals and finals again placing resources under more pressure,” he said.
