Save the Sevens
Save the Wellington Sevens was set up by Mount Victoria resident, Sevens-fanatic and Media 5 owner Graham Bloxham, after the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) put the event out for tender.
“There’s a big chance it will go to Auckland,” says Bloxham. “We have 15,000 fewer seats [at Westpac Stadium] than Auckland.”
Since last week the campaign has racked up 10,142 signatures from online and hardcopy petitions circulated around Wellington.
“This is a great effort, and a sign that people do care about keeping the Sevens in the capital city,” says Robertson.
Last week Robertson met with the Chief Executive of the NZRU Steve Tew.
He indicated that they are expecting to hear from the International Rugby Board about the awarding of future licences for the Sevens by the middle of the year. When that happens they will work out the process for deciding the venue in New Zealand.”
Tew said Wellington had performed extremely well in hosting the sevens and would be a very strong candidate, says Robertson.
“I informed of the strong view of petitioners that Wellington is the only place in New Zealand that can put on a truly memorable event. He has agreed to accept our petition, and has welcomed our input.”
Bloxham has set up a website (issues.co.nz/savewellingtonsevens) to promote the campaign, with Christian Cullen as the key supporter.
From April to June, Save the Wellington Sevens will host three campaign parties, at The Establishment and Four Kings, with the hope of presenting 30,000 signatures to the NZRU.
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