Critical weekend for Rugby World Cup in Christchurch
New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has dismissed the views of an English rugby writer critical of plans to hold Rugby World Cup matches in Christchurch later this year.
Writer Peter Bills claims even if AMI Stadium can be repaired in time, the city is too unsafe because it’s impossible to guarantee there won’t be another destructive quake.
“I think he should stick to writing rugby columns and avoid becoming a seismologist,” Key told reporters.
The PM said Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully would get geotechnical reports on the stadium over the weekend.
Rugby New Zealand 2011 says it is continuing to assess critical tournament facilities and services in Christchurch following severe earthquake damage to the city.
Among facilities being assessed are Stadium Christchurch itself, accommodation, training facilities, the transport network and other key infrastructure.
RNZ 2011 said in the event that a match is rescheduled at a different venue, ticket holders may elect to either exchange the ticket with RNZ 2011 for a ticket for the rescheduled match or apply for a refund.
Ian Jarrett
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists