Relocated Cup games would be 'a gold mine' for Auckland

Alex Swney. Photo / Kenny Rodger

Auckland is likely to make a huge economic gain should the Christchurch Rugby World Cup games be relocated, Auckland interest groups say.

Alex Swney, chief executive of the Heart of the City business group, said it would be a gold mine for Auckland if it absorbed the games from Christchurch.

"It's a total tragedy for Christchurch if they lost [the games] and everybody's hoping they stay there. But it's hard to deny it wouldn't be great for Auckland ... it's a total gold mine."

Mr Swney said New Zealand would benefit economically if the English games and quarter-finals were moved to Auckland because it could better accommodate the swarms of fans.

"The one-off investment in Party Central and public transport infrastructure to Eden Park will be further validated if it is decided to relocate the Christchurch games to Auckland."

Graeme Osborne, the former head of Tourism Auckland, said other areas near Auckland would also benefit from the increase in supporters based in the city.

"The surrounding areas are also likely to benefit hugely ... for example, the North, Coromandel, Rotorua."

He said the city was unlikely to experience any resentment from Cantabrians about taking the games because it was a national effort to host the World cup.

"I highly doubt there would be any feelings of resentment, because Auckland has stepped up and offered to take the additional fans ...

"I also think Christchurch has other priorities at the moment," Mr Osborne said.

The director of 80 Minute Game, which manages the rental of homes to Rugby World Cup visitors, said Auckland has the resources to handle the vast increase in visitor numbers.

Sue Robinson said it would be great if the games could stay in the South Island to spread out the matches, but people needed to be realistic.

"With the exception of some of the games in Dunedin and Nelson, it means pretty much all of the games are being played in the North Island ... I think that in itself is a bit rough."

If the games were to stay in Christchurch, Mrs Robinson said her business would struggle to accommodate additional bookings.

"We have been impacted largely in Christchurch where we've lost a lot of stock and we're still finding out about some of them.

"From a commercial point-of-view we will struggle if the games remain in Christchurch, especially the quarter-finals."

Last week, Mrs Robinson said 100 Auckland homes were needed to satisfy demand during the World Cup.

However, she was certain they would be able to source more houses to meet the increased demand from the additional 13,000 England fans.

"If all of the games were moved to Auckland, and that includes the pool matches, it poses no problems for us."

Auckland Mayor Len Brown said the games should stay in Christchurch if at all possible.

"We're standing shoulder to shoulder with Christchurch ... it would be inappropriate for us to comment further until there is a formal announcement on the state of the Christchurch games," a mayoral spokesman said.