Rugby World Cup - two years to go!

Last week I attended a Parliamentary function to record the fact that it is now just two years until kick-off in the first fixture of the 2011 Rugby World Cup. That function brought it home to me how soon the tournament will be upon us.
There will be 48 matches at 13 venues across the length and breadth of the New Zealand – "the stadium of four million people".
And we will host more than 60,000 visitors expected to flood into our country for the tournament that billions of people across the globe will watch on television or online.
It will raise our international profile, boost our economy and give us lasting gains in trade and tourism. And, of course, we will have a great celebration along the way.
Come 2011, we will not only be showcasing our national game but we also have an unprecedented chance to show off our beautiful country and what we do well - from our food and wine, our fashion design and film-making, our science, to our tourism. We need to turn 2011 into a year of showing our very best to the world.
We want to encourage all New Zealanders to think of ourselves as a nation of four million hosts. We want to ensure that every visitor has a warm and uniquely New Zealand experience wherever they go – from Cape Reinga to Stewart Island.
For some Kiwis, that will mean being part of a team of volunteers who will make the RWC an outstanding event. There will be many roles to fill, from making sure things run smoothly at grounds on game days to supporting festival and business showcase events. You can register your interest in becoming a volunteer now if you like – visit http://www.nz2011.govt.nz/

Let’s give it 100% over the next two years and make 2011 New Zealand’s year.