Dunedin Mayor still seeking Rugby World Cup celebration

An All Black parade in Dunedin seems a long shot, although Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull is not throwing in the towel.

The victorious All Blacks landed in Auckland this morning and a celebration was planned in the city this afternoon.

The festivities will then shift to Christchurch tomorrow and conclude in Wellington on Friday.

It had been hoped Dunedin would be part of the parade circuit, but it had been given the cold shoulder by New Zealand Rugby.

With the players going on leave after Friday and keen to get back to their families and homes after a long spell away, it appears unlikely any parade or organised celebration will take place in Dunedin any time soon.

New Zealand Rugby could not add anything yesterday and any announcement may be some days away.

However, Mr Cull said he would keep the pressure on.

''We totally understand, and most people will, that players have been away and need to get back to their families,'' he said.

''But we have strong local links down here. Even if they can only send a small group of players, with links to here, the likes of Richie McCaw and Ben Smith, then we will be able to celebrate with them.

''They [NZR] are saying they will try to organise something as soon as possible ... and we are optimistic we can get some players and have something in Dunedin as soon as possible.''

''I'm not giving up. We've got to maintain the pressure and see what is the best they can do for us.''

In 2011, the All Blacks had official parades in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Dunedin and other similar-sized centres missed out.

A trophy tour had been suggested from next week, taking the World Cup around the country, but is doubtful whether any players would be available.

A facebook page set up to bring the All Blacks to Dunedin for a parade had more than 2500 likes by yesterday afternoon.

The players are on compulsory leave from Friday until after Christmas. Retired backs Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Dan Carter, among others, will be heading off to play for French clubs.

There were four Highlanders in the 31-man All Black squad but Ben Smith is the only Otago player in the All Black team.