New bill gives special RWC powers

Parliament tonight passed laws that will allow "unforeseen circumstances" around next year's Rugby World Cup to be quickly cleared up.

The Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill permits normal consenting processes to be cut short for applications covering facilities and events connected to the tournament, and it allows special liquor licences to be quickly granted.

It sets up a special authority, the Rugby World Cup Authority, which will handle applications and make decisions.

"This is going to be the largest event we've ever experienced, with teams spread from one end of the country to another," Internal Affairs Minister Nathan Guy said during the third reading debate.

"We're expecting 85,000 visitors and 2000 international media - for 45 days, the global spotlight will shine on New Zealand and we have to get this right, there's no second chance."

Labour opposed the bill because of one provision in it - the minister in charge of the tournament, Murray McCully, will have the power to overturn any decision by the Rugby World Cup Authority.

"It is with some sadness that we have come to this point," said Labour's Trevor Mallard.

"We accept the bill is necessary, we agree with most of it."

He said the bill gave a minister powers which should only rest with the judiciary because the minister would be able to overturn a negative decision by the authority.

"The authority can say no, and the minister can say yes," he said.

"That's not the sort of decision that should be taken by a minister...we have developed in New Zealand a system whereby we keep ministers out of that sort of decision."

Mr Mallard said Labour wouldn't have a problem if the minister could block something the authority had agreed to, but he should not have the power to change a negative decision.

The bill passed its third reading on a vote of 69 to 51.

- NZPA