8 September 2011

Opening Night - Mayor calls for Aucklanders to play their part

Auckland Mayor Len Brown says Aucklanders have a huge part to play in making sure Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) kicks off on the right note tomorrow night.

“The city is filled with a party spirit and Aucklanders have already done us proud with the way they have welcomed the world – at the airport, at Aotea Square and on marae,” Len Brown says.

“Thanks to the Auckland public, the teams have received an unprecedented world cup welcome. Now we have the chance to kick off the Tournament like never before - on the waterfront and at Eden Park.”

Len Brown says organisers have laid on a spectacular waterfront Opening Night event, the likes of which Auckland has never staged before. He is encouraging Aucklanders to enjoy this once in a lifetime occasion and play their part in making it a resounding success.

He says organisers have made sure that Aucklanders have access to all the information they need.

“The waterfront is going to be packed for this event. Aucklanders need to stop and think about Friday night. Think about where you are going to be, your transport options, whether you head to the waterfront, where you want to watch the fireworks and lighting show from, and make a plan.

The mayor is also encouraging Aucklanders to look after each other and be great hosts to the many thousands of visitors in town.

“Be responsible and help ensure that everybody else has a great time. That’s what will create the impression of Auckland that we want our visitors to remember.

“This Friday is a historic day for the city I have said that I want Auckland to become an events city and events don’t get much bigger than what’s happening on Friday.”

“My message to Aucklanders is: get the information you need and make a plan. If you do that, when the party starts, whether you are on the waterfront, at the match, viewing the fireworks from afar or choose to watch the whole thing on TV, you can sit back and really enjoy the best party this city has ever seen.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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