Prince to run eye over rugby preparations

Prince William, pictured with the 2005 All Blacks, will inspect progress on Eden Park's Rugby World Cup makeover during a two-day visit to New Zealand next month. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Details of next month's visit by Prince William were released yesterday by Prime Minister John Key.

He will arrive in Auckland on Sunday, January 17, and visit Eden Park to see the redevelopment work and be briefed on plans for the Rugby World Cup.

Prince William will also go sailing on Waitemata Harbour on the America's Cup yacht NZL40, and attend a hangi at Government House.

He will fly to Wellington the next day where he will represent the Queen at the opening of the new Supreme Court building. Other activities include a wreath laying at the National War Memorial, a barbecue hosted by Mr Key at Premier House and a visit to Wellington Children's Hospital.

Members of the public will have a chance to see Prince William when he does a walkabout after the Supreme Court opening. Prince William will leave for Australia on Tuesday, January 19.

- NZPA