Israel Dagg checks through Hawke's Bay Airport headed for the next test against South Africa next weekend. Photo / Warren Buckland
The All Blacks are sold on Hawke's Bay hospitality, officials say, and the Napier test looks set to draw other major sporting events to the region.
A crowd of 23,300 braved wet weather to cheer the side to a 28-9 victory over Argentina at Napier's McLean Park on Saturday night.
The All Blacks departed yesterday after a week in the region leading up to the Rugby Championship game, enjoying relaxed interaction with the public. Hawke's Bay Rugby Union chief executive Mike Bishop said the team's stay was a resounding success. "In my discussions with senior NZRU officials, they've had a marvellous time and thoroughly enjoyed their time here.
He described an "electric atmosphere" at McLean Park on Saturday night. "There was a great sense of pride being from Hawke's Bay. I'm not surprised because Hawke's Bay are marvellous rugby watchers."
During their stay the All Blacks had visited cafes and gone walking in their spare time, which often wasn't possible when they stayed in bigger centres.
Napier Mayor Bill Dalton agreed the players were "rapt" with the atmosphere around Napier. "As a smaller city we can't expect to get an All Blacks game every year, but we showed we can rise to the occasion. We have a facility in Hawke's Bay that can put on major events."
He said the test had proven the Bay was a viable host for other big events "across all sporting codes".
"We're not far away from hosting Cricket World Cup events at the same facility."
Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule said the only downside to the match was the rain, though it hadn't deterred the crowd.
"I loved the game - it was a great spectacle for the Bay. The All Blacks are our biggest brand and to have them in town, it's a significant event. I don't expect we'll get the All Blacks back for a number of years and I think everyone was very proud to have them."
Police Inspector Tania Kura said police were "thrilled" with the success of the test weekend in Napier.
Despite the crowd of more than 23,000 spectators, police had dealt with only four incidents during the game.
"These numbers could have been a challenge. However, good communication and relationships between the stakeholders meant the event was positive for all concerned.
"For all the visitors we had to town at the weekend, it was just a really good, positive attitude."
Police were pleased to see patience on the roads as well, especially in the rainy conditions.
"We look forward to hosting this type of event more regularly."
The capacity crowd also included Prime Minister John Key, who also had time to visit businesses around Ahuriri.
But not everyone was singing praises about the night.
Tutira resident Clint Durrant said after going out for a drink after the game, he tried to order a taxi from a Napier bar to Puketapu through Hawke's Bay Combined Taxis about midnight.
After waiting two hours, he was forced to rouse a friend from sleep to pick him up and take him home. In response, Hawke's Bay Combined Taxis managing director John Hart said: "On a night like that with 23,000 people it's very difficult and there isn't a number of taxis that Napier can sustain.
"We do our very best and have all our resources out."