Simpson Grierson Advises In Auckland's Rugby World Cup Success

13 March: Auckland's successful Rugby World Cup match hosting bid was a major collaborative effort by organisations across the region and leading law firm Simpson Grierson was delighted to have assisted many of the key stakeholders in regard to the contractual aspects.

Rob Fisher, Simpson Grierson chairman, a trustee of the Eden Park Trust Board and a member of the Eden Park Redevelopment Board commented, "from Kevin Jaffe our head of corporate/commercial advising Eden Park on its match hosting arrangements, to partner Michael Pollard and senior associate Charlotte Clitherow who worked closely with Auckland City Council on the host region agreement and partner Simon Vannini and senior associate Alex Campbell assisting North Shore City Council and Tourism Auckland respectively, it was a true team effort."

The host region agreement co-ordinated all Auckland councils, Tourism Auckland, AucklandPlus, the Auckland Regional Transport Authority and major stadia, reflected the fact that unlike most other regions bidding for matches, no single entity is responsible for providing all aspects of Auckland's host region obligations. This meant a multi-party arrangement was needed for the 14 parties, which included eight local authorities.

A potentially disparate and lengthy contracting process was significantly streamlined by a dedicated group of Auckland regional stakeholders focused on appropriate outcomes for all of the Auckland regional parties, making the outcomes successful for everyone.

"Auckland's success with its Rugby World Cup match hosting bid will showcase the region to an estimated television audience of 46 billion," said Rob Fisher. "The region will also host an estimated 70,000 international visitors over an extended period with an estimated direct economic benefit to the region of $315 million."

ENDS

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