The Cloud

"The Cloud" i am talking about its the Party Central, the controversial $9.8 million dollar temporary structure built especially for the RWC. It hosts up to 6000 people.

The Cloud under construction
http://www.worldcup2011newzealand.com/2011/04/aucklands-new-party-central-unveiled-2/

The structure is due to complete next month (just before the RWC commences).  A recent new article from the Heral has indicated that the "Cloud" could stand for 15 years after the RWC. Bob Harvey (Waterfron Development Agency Chairman wants to keep the structure there as he thinking "the cloud" "will become a focal point for the wharf.

The construction of the project had always been as controversial one, and the critics have labelled it "the slug", and argue there wil be problems with drunken revellers." Being situated next to the water, there is also likely to to safety issues associated with drunken people falling off into the water.

Artist's impression of the structure
http://www.worldcup2011newzealand.com/2010/10/2011-rugby-world-cup-party-central-auckland/

Despite being a young person, I can't say I am very supportive of this idea. Going to a pub before a rugby game is great. However creating this flash, unreal structure as a money generating machine for the so-called rugby fans who want to spent more time enjoying the night life rather than rugby games is not what the RWC is about. The venue is likely to provide overpriced entertainment and alchohol for irresponsible people. I don't think those are the people we want to attract with the biggest sporting event in the history of this country.

Maybe i am just old fashioned? Or is the decision to spend $9.8million on the "cloud" rather than on public utilities a stupid choice?


http://www.viewauckland.co.nz/insidersguide/rwc-2011-party-central-plans-announced-feature-4393.html

The problem with the strong kiwi dollar

The stronger the Kiwi dollar, the more expensive things will be for foreign visitors. Maybe the kiwi dollar has peaked at the wrong time? HoweverThe RWC organisors are confident overseas fans will be ready to spend even as the strength of the Kiwi dollar against the US dollar and the British pounds.

NZ dollar is as strong as it has ever been against the US dollar
http://www.3news.co.nz/NZ-dollar-hits-multi-month-highs-against-major-currencies/tabid/420/articleID/122309/Default.aspx

19500 Of the 85,000 visitors are expected to be from the U.K. and 6,900 from North America. However if people are prepared to travel to this country a spend almost two months here, they are likely to spend whether or not the kiwi dollar is strong or weak. Furthermore, according to the same source there are around 29,000 visitors expected from Australia. And as some of us might be aware, the Aussie dollar is really strong right now, the purchasing power being even higher than the US dollar. So if even if the strong kiwi dollar will affect the British and US tourists' spendings, our rich Australian friends should be able to balance things out.
Major sporting events will benefit the economy of the hosting city/nation, this is why cities and countries try so hard to win the rights to host such events. The changes in economic condions will inevitable have some degree of influence, but the the overall benefits will still be there. Just recently the rights to host the 2018 and 2022 football world cup have been decided. The hosting countries are Russian and Qatar respectively. No economist will be able to predict how strong the Russian ruble or the Qatar riyal will be then, but one thing is almost certain, that the events will attract wealthy tourists who are willing to spend.



Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov receives the World Cup trophy from Fifa President Joseph Blatter after the official announcement that Russia will host the 2018 World Cup  

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/8181639/England-World-Cup-bid-how-did-we-get-it-so-wrong.html

Source:

http://www.3news.co.nz/NZ-dollar-hits-multi-month-highs-against-major-currencies/tabid/420/articleID/122309/Default.aspx

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-05-31/n-z-rugby-organizer-confident-fans-will-weather-soaring-kiwi.html

Security Implications of the RWC

For a almost two months between september and october of this year, NZ will be the focal point of the sporting world. Despite the country's relative low profile in the international arena, the country's security needs to stay on extra alert to eliminate any threats that might happen during the event.

http://thepigeon.co.nz/sport/police-to-recieve-premium-seating-access-to-players-in-order-to-maximise-security-during-world-cup/

Major sporting events have the potential to attract a range of criminal activities, from petty crimals trying to trip off the foreign tourist, to terrorism threats. Security for the RWC will be the biggest police operation in a NZ sporting event since the Springboks Tour of 1981. The Police are preparing for everything from drunken fans to terrorist attacks, but admit that they cannot guarantee a totally safe tournament.

The agencies involved in the securities for the RWC include customs, the defence force, elite police squatds, and even the spy base at Waihopai (i wonder how good these spys are when they tell the public that they are involved).

The organisers have indicated that this year's Super 14 matches will be used as practice for the RWC security team. The team was involved in organising safety measures in the South African world cup in the previous years.The bombings at india's IPL cricket tournament is a warning that major sporting events are targets for terrorist.

So New Zealand, be prepared for a wonderful event, but always stay alert. New Zealand is not used to attracting so many people within such a short period of time. The RWC will really test the NZ police's capacity and capability.

Sources:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/cricket/twenty20/ipl/7610918/IPL-cricket-bomb-attacks-ordered-by-betting-mafia.html

http://thepigeon.co.nz/sport/police-to-recieve-premium-seating-access-to-players-in-order-to-maximise-security-during-world-cup/

News Talk ZB