MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY

MEDIA RELEASE
10 June 2005

Mayor in absolute dismay over attempt to hijack event

Auckland City Mayor Dick Hubbard said today that it will be Auckland’s ‘Day of Shame’ if the city is hijacked by a handful of waterfront residents wanting to stop events at the viaduct during the Lions Tour.

The mayor was responding to the news that a group of residents living in one block of viaduct apartments wanted to stop plans for the Lions supporters group known as the Barmy Army to have a base at the former cup buildings for two weeks.

“Events are exciting, passionate things that bring life and soul to a city,” says Mr Hubbard.

“We have bent over backwards to accommodate the residents. I am saying ‘put aside your self interest for two weeks and put your city, and your country first’.”

“I don’t want to see this derail future events around the waterfront and put our national bid for the Rugby World Cup at risk.

“Successful cities around the world hold events which can be disruptive to residents. This will only be a 16-day event and we have made every effort to ensure strict conditions on the resource consent to minimise disruption for these people.

“Thousands of people want to have fun at this event and these visitors will give the local economy a huge boost. That’s something we want to encourage. The experience of overseas visitors can help to generate future tourism and I want them to leave with the best possible impression of our city.”

Ends