MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY

MEDIA RELEASE

3 July 2005

Help push the Auckland team over the try line

The Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard is calling on the city’s residents to be loud and proud in their support of the region’s rugby team as it gears-up to face the Lions.

The Auckland team plays the British and Irish Lions at Eden Park on Tuesday, 5 July.

“Our local team is set to face some of the top talent in world rugby, but I’m hoping the home crowd will help drive the Auckland team over the try line so that it secures a win.

“The home town advantage is worth its weight in gold and I want local residents to come out in force to back the Auckland rugby team.”

As a symbol of the city’s support for the team, Mr Hubbard is launching a ‘Blue-Out’ on Tuesday, 5 July.

“I want everyone in the city to dress in the team’s colour of blue as a sign to the Lions and their supporters that we’re right behind our team.

“Up to 20,000 Lions fans are expected in the city this week, but I want the blue shirts to far outweigh the red shirts. If we can do that, it should really bolster our team’s morale.

“I’m asking Auckland City’s 2,000 staff to dress in blue for the day and I hope the rest of the city will follow their lead.”

Mr Hubbard says he’s so confident the Auckland team can pull off a win against the Lions that he’s prepared to bungy jump off the Sky Tower if the local team loses.

“I’m behind the Auckland team 100 per cent and I’m prepared to put my money where my mouth is and jump off the Sky Tower if they don’t win. But I’m sure the team will come through for me, so that I won’t have to do it.”

Mr Hubbard says the DHL NZ Lions Series is an exciting event, which could have huge economic spin-offs for Auckland.

“The direct spend from visiting rugby supporters could be more than $40 million – that’s a massive cash injection for the regional economy. What’s more, the city could benefit to the tune of a further $40 million through future tourism generated as a result of the tour.”

But Mr Hubbard stresses that the Lions series is not just about rugby and economic benefit.

“This is a chance for everyone in the city to get out and have fun. It’s about living in a big city that can host big events which contribute to the vibrancy and excitement of Auckland.

“There’s a host of free activities for Aucklanders to get involved in, if they don’t have tickets to the games at Eden Park.”

Mr Hubbard says on Tuesday night from 5.30pm the city is hosting a Big Screen Barbeque at the Viaduct Harbour, where the Auckland game will be shown live on an outdoor screen.

“This is a chance for workers in the CBD and families to experience a big crowd atmosphere and cheer on the Auckland team. It’s a good opportunity to stay in the city and avoid the traffic around Eden Park as ticket holders make their way to the game. There’ll be lots of entertainment in addition to the rugby, including a band, dancers and great competitions.

“I’m urging everyone to make the most of the Lions tour, enjoy the city and relish the vibrant atmosphere that a major event like this brings to Auckland.”

Ends

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