A nationwide road show to recruit volunteers for the 2011 Rugby
World Cup has ended with a strong indication that New Zealand's
promised "stadium of four million" hosts is on the way to becoming
reality.
More than 5,000 volunteers will be needed when New Zealand
welcomes up to 85,000 international visitors for the Rugby World
Cup (RWC) next year, and already more than a thousand people have
signed up to be part of the biggest event ever to be held in the
country.
Volunteers will be needed for a number of different roles from
working in the back rooms of stadiums assisting with catering,
sports presentation and ceremonies to helping visitors at hotels,
fan zones and transport hubs.
Public forums
There were 38 public forums as part of the five week RWC
roadshow which covered 25 destinations throughout New Zealand.
Volunteer Programme Manager Brendon Ward says more than 3500
people turned up at the various forums, to hear what volunteering
would involve and he was thrilled with the response.
"We were very happy with the quality of interested parties and
their enthusiasm. There was a dose of realism about it and we
always wanted this to be about what to expect, and what not to
expect - like free tickets," he said.
The intention always had been to weed out people who thought
volunteering would give them free match tickets and, while some had
left the forums disappointed, many had been enthused by the chance
to be part of the event, he said.
A lot of people went away inspired and it was hoped they would
pass on the information and sentiments to others, says Brendon
Ward.
Main centre response
The greatest response was in Auckland, Wellington and
Christchurch - which had been expected as they were the main
centres where most games would be played, he says.
Interested volunteers who attended the forums were able to sign
up immediately but general registration opened 14 July.
Applications close on 31 August.
Brendon Ward says it is estimated that 95 per cent of volunteers
will be New Zealand residents or Kiwis living abroad, but there was
an opportunity for people from overseas to register. However in
terms of training and understanding roles, that would be a limited
number.
Ambassador Michael Jones
The drive for volunteers is being led by former All Black and
RWC 2011 ambassador Michael Jones who says it's important to find
the right candidates.
"Volunteering takes a special kind of person and the
characteristics are the same as a top rugby player; motivation,
commitment, hard work and ultimately passion."
Michael Jones says the tournament will succeed through the
efforts of all New Zealanders: "We will be a nation of four million
hosts and volunteers will play an important role in helping the
country to welcome our guests."
The team of 5,000-plus volunteers will be the face of New
Zealand, on the ground, at stadiums and out in the streets, from
one end of the country to the other, says Jones.
"Only people who are passionate about their country and willing
to give their time and energy to support the event, need apply," he
says.
Screening process
Once registration closes, volunteers will be screened and
interviews will begin in October.
RWC Chief Executive Martin Snedden says volunteering won't be
glamorous work.
"Much of it is hard slog but it is a brilliant way to have a
direct involvement in New Zealand's biggest ever event."
No free match tickets would be handed out, but volunteers would
be the "shop front" of the tournament, playing a vital role in
enhancing the experience of visitors and helping shape what
visitors thought of New Zealand, Martin Snedden says.
The uniforms to be worn by volunteers may not be unveiled until
later this year, and will only be issued two to three weeks before
the tournament.
However Prime Minister John Key has indicated that New Zealand's
iconic silver fern will be prominently displayed.
Wairarapa volunteers
As well as good candidates for general assistance, there is also
a requirement for volunteers with specialist skills such as the
command of a foreign language ... and in the Wairarapa the hunt is
on to find anyone who can speak Georgian.
The Georgian cup team is to be based in the area next year and
while 32 people have enlisted as potential volunteers, there are no
fluent Georgian speakers amongst them.
Team Georgia will train and stay a week in the Wairarapa with
team hosting alone expected to rack up nearly 5000 commercial bed
nights in the region.
Brendon Ward says that as well as the need for volunteers who
speak foreign languages and can interpret, there's also a
requirement for people who know how to run a game of rugby.
Nelson volunteers
In Nelson, where the Italian RWC team will be based, 125 locals
attended the nationwide road show - many wanting to sign up on the
spot.
Stoke resident Ella Porter says volunteering for RWC 2011 was a
"once in a lifetime opportunity" and would give her the chance to
meet a lot of tourists, and "do something really cool."
Others left the meeting saying they were "really excited" about
showing off Nelson to the world including local residents Diane
Hodgson and Barbara Bird.
"I want to be involved in Nelson, full stop. I'm glad to be a
New Zealander and proud of Nelson," says Barbara Bird.
"It's so exciting, how could you not?" says Hodgson.