Concerns Of RWC 2011

Some concerns over New Zealand's readiness for the Rugby World Cup have been raised. The process of upgrading Eden Park to expand the capacity to the 60,000+ figure required by the IRB was characterised in late 2008 by the Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully as needing legislative abolishment of the consent process to be completed on time. A July 2009 report by the Auckland Regional Transport Authority, released under the Official Information Act, warned of lack of readiness and complacency, despite the fact that "the levels of patron movement and operational standard  are in reality significantly above what is currently delivered." The report was dismissed by Michael Barnett, the Auckland Chamber of Commerce CEO and planning co-coordinator for RWC events in Auckland, who characterised it as a case of "a Wellington media organisation us an outdated report". The nation's largest hospitality workers' union, Unite, which represents 25% of hotel, restaurant and casino workers in New Zealand, has floated the idea of a strike during the RWC.