World Cup party zone extension ready for weekend

Samoan fans at Queens Wharf enjoy a game between Samoa and Namibia. Photo / Natalie Slade

Organisers know the new Party Central on Captain Cook Wharf will have two screens, 100 Portaloos, fencing and extra lights - but know little else.

The extension of Auckland's waterfront fan zone from Queens Wharf to the adjacent, smaller wharf received approval last week and was prepared to open at the weekend, but budgets and amenities are still "being worked through".

It is a back-up for the main fan zone area and was assembled in haste last week after the waterfront failed to cope with crowds during opening night celebrations.

Last Friday evening, there was a doughnut stall and a kebab stand manned and ready to go - along with about 12 security guards - as 11,000 people arrived at Queens Wharf for the All Blacks v Japan match.

But the crowd peaked and Captain Cook Wharf stayed closed.

Asked about forecasts for the upcoming weekend - which features the marquee New Zealand v France match - and the budgets, amenities and staffing for the new wharf, Queens Wharf spokesman Peter Winder responded with a statement to the Herald that took two days to prepare and be signed off by involved parties, including the Rugby World Cup Minister's office.

The only forecast for the number of people that might turn up this weekend was "large numbers".

"Forecasting numbers is more of an art than a science and there are a number of factors which impact on people's decision to come to Queens Wharf, including weather," Mr Winder said.

"Last weekend the people who came to Queens Wharf had a great experience and we're sure they will be telling their friends. Plans are in place to ensure additional numbers will be catered for. As the tournament progresses there is an expectation that numbers will increase."

A failure to anticipate opening night crowds has been blamed for much of the chaos on the waterfront.

A hearing last week seeking approval for the Captain Cook Wharf plans drew concerns from the police about whether there would be enough security and amenities to keep crowds occupied.

Asked what will be on the wharf, Mr Winder said: "Adequate food and beverage vendors were available on Captain Cook Wharf, with 100 Portaloos, two large screens and fencing to ensure [public safety]. Discussions are continuing regarding the amenities needed on Captain Cook Wharf."

Another concern has been how the wharf can have enough people on standby to open as required.

The police have said there was insufficient security on Queens Wharf already - thereby straining police resources - and it was unlikely Captain Cook Wharf could get enough staff.

Mr Winder said staffing levels for Captain Cook Wharf had been "monitored and varied throughout the weekend according to assessments on [peak times] and to ensure it was ready to open immediately".