16 Sep 2011

Fan zone expansion confirmed

5:07 pm on 16 September 2011

The all-clear has been given to expand the rugby fan zone on the Auckland waterfront.

Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully has approved the use of special legislation, after the expansion was recommended by the Cup Authority.

Captain Cook Wharf can accommodate an extra 14,000 rugby fans and is being commissioned after overcrowding on Queens Wharf on the opening night on 9 September.

The Queens Wharf zone opened for the weekend on Friday morning and the overflow area will be used only if fan numbers require it.

Pending a decision on liquor licensing, no alcohol will be served this weekend. Police have also sought a limit of 8000 people in the drinking zone compared with 10,000 sought by the organisers.

Mr McCully says he imagines there will be media attention if the zone is not used this weekend, but he expects stronger demand on future weekends.