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Prime Minister John Key says the silver fern should be displayed on 2011 Rugby World Cup volunteers’ uniforms and New Zealand would continue to push for that. .
Mr Key said talks were ongoing and “I don’t think we should be afraid of those negotiations”.
“In the end I can understand the IRB’s position but we don’t actually agree with that and we are trying to negotiate a better outcome for our volunteers.
He felt the silver fern was a national symbol which was very important to New Zealand and was the appropriate symbol for the uniforms.
“I haven’t really considered plan B yet, we might eventually end up having to be there but if we do I am sure something else will come up, maybe a kiwi.”
If the IRB was immovable something else would have to replace it, possibly a kiwi.”
The latest hiccup follows a controversy over screening rights for the Cup games. The IRB will decide whether it is acceptable or not.
Mr Key had to step in to prevent a bidding war between state broadcasters TVNZ and Maori Television but they are now putting up a joint bid.
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Wgtn eyes lucrative World Cup pool games
Saturday, 01 November 2008
Wellington has its eyes on hosting British and Irish rugby teams for 2011 Rugby World Cup pool games to cash in on their lucrative fan base.
Afterits successful bid to host two quarterfinals, Wellington submitted yesterday its proposal to host up to five pool games and several teams.
"They normally bring a lot of fans with them," Wellington City Council events manager John Dawson said.
It is hoped one of those games will involve the All Blacks, while teams that have a high level of support – England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales – are second on the list.
Mr Dawson would not say how much the bid would cost.
The bid was a joint effort between the region's nine local authorities, the Wellington Regional Stadium Trust, Wellington and Wairarapa rugby unions and local tourism agencies.
Though matches would be played at Westpac Stadium, it was hoped teams would be hosted and train at other venues throughout the region, including Wairarapa. The games are expected to add about $21 million to the Wellington regional economy.
Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast said it had been demonstrated in the past that the region was able to host successful major international events. .
"We have a number of exciting plans for Rugby World Cup 2011."