RUGBY World Cup celebrations are falling into place, now all the council needs to know is what you have planned.
The Wellington City Council is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from bars, restaurants, event organisers, fundraisers and others, to build a better picture of what will be going on in the CBD during the tournament.
“We know some licensed premises plan to apply for things like extending their footprint onto footpaths with fenced-off areas or marquees. We want to avoid any potential issues such as conflicts caused by several people wanting to use the same space, and access and safety issues. We also want to ensure the CBD looks good,” says Wellington City Council spokesperson Katie Jans.
Event organisers will still need to complete standard regulatory and licencing requirements.
“The information we receive from the EOI process will be used to build a comprehensive picture of how the city will look … It’s important businesses tell us what they want to do now so when they apply for licences or consents the process will be straightforward.”
The council is planning a month-long festival, details of which will be officially announced in April. Rugby World Cup festival director Andy Scotland is coordinating the ‘Fanzone’, located in front of the new wharewaka on the waterfront, which will provide free entertainment for an entire month from September 9.
“On quarter finals weekend, which is really the crescendo for Wellington, we will also have activities and screens down on Courtenay Place.”
Scotland says there will be something for everyone, even locals not interested in the tournament.
“[The festival] will really highlight some of Wellington’s best performers, arts organisations and artists. We hope to encapture all local cultures and communities, as well as that of visiting countries. The objective is to excite both visitors and residents of Wellington.”  
EOI forms are available at www.wellington.govt.nz, responses are due by 5pm, March 25.