Christchurch earthquake: Mayor confident over Cup matches

Christchurch mayor Bob Parker. Photo / Mark Mitchell

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker says he is confident the city can still host the Rugby World Cup - but has conceded the IRB may have already made up its mind.

Mr Parker was commenting on reports in the British Daily Telegraph yesterday. "The latest information I have is no decision has been made. There's a bit of speculation running around but there's no point getting involved in that."

He would wait until he was told the verdict which was expected within days.

However, Mr Parker said it was possible they had made their minds up already. "What I would say is this: we are very realistic about it coming here. I'm passionate we could do it, we should do it and I don't think anyone disagrees with those things.

"The issue is going to be around how is it going to be perceived in terms of safety and the level of comfort."

The mayor believed accommodation problems could be solved.

"It's just a question of now, this is an important global event, it's important for our country and I don't want us to be seen trying to compromise [it] selfishly as an event.

"We only want it held here if it has the confidence of the IRB and all of the wise heads that will be making this decision."

He said World Cup matches in Christchurch could be a "great story".

"We could mount a RWC that is so close to the grassroots and the essence to the community. Taking people into our homes, throwing restaurants in pop-up tents. We'll have a heap of fun. It'll be a real South Island carnival. In a way it possibly wouldn't have before."

He said he was just as confident the city could play a World Cup role as he was immediately after the quake.

Outside AMI Stadium yesterday rugby fan Brad Maere, 56, said he still hoped the Cup matches would be held in the city.

However, he said the tournament shouldn't come to Christchurch at the expense of resources being allocated away from the rebuilding.

"The rebuilding will be big. It's people's jobs, it's security. Games can come and go."

It was especially sad, he said, given the multimillion-dollar refit AMI Stadium went through to get ready for the World Cup.