IT’S as we expected. Rugby supporters in Wellington for the weekend were well behaved.
Around 20,000 Welsh, Irish, Springboks and Wallabies fans were in town and as many as 70,000 people packed out the city centre on Saturday night.
Wellington Police District RWC Operation Commander Inspector Simon Perry says police were “overwhelmed” with the excellent behaviour of visitors to the city.
“We have had a huge number of RWC fans in and around the city since the tournament kicked off, and we’ve had no major incidents. On Saturday night the Courtenay Place Fanzone was very busy, but the crowd enjoyed the festive atmosphere”.
Sixty police officers were on patrol, and at Sunday’s game between South Africa and Australia at the stadium, there were six evictions and no arrests.
“Visitors to Wellington were able to enjoy the city safely,” Inspector Perry says.
Richard Maclean at Wellington City Council said “It was absolutely brilliant”
Transport issues were minor as those who came into the city were aware that there were changes to the buses, says Maclean.
Retailers reported mixed sales responses from the crowds in town.
Mabel Fong from Gubb’s Shoes on Wakefield Street reported a “busy” weekend, but not as busy as the World of Wearable art awards weeks.
“WOW was a lot better, but we still did particularly well this weekend,” says Fong.
Tilly Lloyd of Unity Books said “the  biggest spend occurs on lodgings, food and grog,” “There are lots of book lovers amongst rugby fans but our expectations were not very high.”
Andy Hadley at Capri on Featherston Street reported the bar and eatery’s best weekend yet.
“Definitely the best we’ve ever had. We had a mad rush before each game and afterwards it was packed out completely, says Hadley, “People who came on Saturday returned on Sunday and most of the lunch and dinner tables tipped.”

What’s happening in Wellington for the semis and finals:
- The Courtenay Place Fanzone was a one off for the big weekend and will not be repeated.
At the Fanzone by the Wharewaka the main stage has been taken away and there will be more informal street entertainment.  The big screen will remain to show both games.
- Wellington Town Hall will screen the semi final and final games at alcohol-free family events