Opening ceremony's missing talent

Hinewehi Mohi says the cultural element will be very strong. Photo / Martin Sykes

Key creative roles for the Rugby World Cup opening and closing ceremonies are yet to be filled - just over five months out from the tournament.

Australian David Atkins, whose company won the multi-million dollar contract to host the ceremonies, was in Auckland on Friday interviewing "high-profile" candidates for several senior positions.

Atkins, who has put on summer and winter Olympic opening ceremonies, dismissed fears preparations had been left until the last minute.

"With the amount of time we have to deliver a 20-minute piece, we are fine," he said.

Atkins said the opening ceremony would try to tell the "story of New Zealand".

Atkins expected opening plans to be approved by Rugby World Cup 2011 in the next few weeks. Confidentiality agreements meant he was unable to reveal any performers.

Estimates for the number of viewers are 50 million, but could be as high as the 1 billion who tuned into the opening ceremony in 2003.

Atkins held a symposium at Eden Park two weeks ago with choreographers, designers, directors and performers.

"It was really a brainstorming session, a bombardment of thinking," said singer-songwriter Hinewehi Mohi. "The Maori cultural element will be very strong."

Neil Ieremia, founder of modern dance company Black Grace, said he had to turn down an approach by the organisers because he was already booked.