Police call for good behaviour, win or lose during Rugby World Cup

Heavy Police presence on Quay Street. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Auckland police are hoping the good behaviour of fans at the Rugby World Cup will continue this weekend for the Rugby World Cup semifinals - even if the All Blacks lose to Australia tomorrow night.

Superintendent Brett England says an extra 100 police will be on duty this weekend, bringing to nearly 600 the number patrolling the waterfront, Eden Park and regional fan zones at Albany, Henderson and Mangere town centre.

Mr England said there were no underlying elements to suggest problems, even if the All Blacks lost to Australia. "But you just don't know. The mood of the crowd can change very quickly."

The senior police officer praised the behaviour of fans throughout the tournament, saying very few people had been locked up.

A peak crowd of 12,300 at Party Central on Queens Wharf last Saturday led to 14 evictions but no arrests.

Asked what plans were in place if things turned ugly following an All Black loss, Mr England said police had sufficient resources in place.

They also had officers and crime cars conducting normal duties across the city who could be called on.

Auckland Council chief executive Doug McKay, who is overseeing the city's operations for the cup, said every weekend was different.

More effort had gone into promoting the regional fan zones and people were being encouraged to enjoy the celebrations in business districts. Parnell had adopted the Welsh team this week and Takapuna the French team, he said.

Mr McKay expected Party Central on Queens Wharf to reach capacity tonight and tomorrow night and expected the overflow zone on Captain Cook Wharf would be needed.

Last weekend, about 3000 people spilled over to Captain Cook Wharf on Saturday, and about 1200 on Sunday. The wharf has a capacity of 10,000.

Fans can also use a new fan zone at a carpark on Madden St in the Wynyard Quarter, which has a capacity of 7500.

Police on duty

200 Auckland waterfront
245 Eden Park and surrounding areas
44 at each of the fan zones in Albany, Henderson and Mangere
577 number of officers citywide.