Rugby World Cup final: Fans call for final public viewing zone

Despite past precedents, like last year's Cricket World Cup final, Auckland Council will not host a public viewing area for All Blacks fans. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Rugby fans have voiced their disappointment that there will not be a public screening of the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday morning in Auckland.

They are calling for Auckland Council-controlled Ateed, in charge of events in the Super City, to reconsider its decision.

However, Ateed told the Herald last night that its position on the screening had not changed and did not comment further on it - instead sending through a statement that simply reiterated the reasons behind the decision.

After a story in yesterday's Herald outlined the reasons, many readers got in contact.

Osh Tindall said via email that there should be a public viewing and suggested the Cloud area on Queens Wharf. "Unite to support our team," Tindall said. "Celebrate the good things in life!"

Taylor Oakes said there needed to be a place to watch the game in public as "it's the best way to send off six legends of the game".

Grant O'Sullivan said he could not fathom "the lack of judgment" shown by the organisation.

"The amenities are there and paid for by us and as our servants, the council should front up and screen this great event."

Ateed oversaw Party Central on Queens Wharf four years ago for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

At the time, taxpayers paid $9.8 million to build the Cloud complex and ratepayers paid $900,000 for two large screens for fans to watch the games. The screens are still owned by the council, but have not yet been used during the 2015 Cup.

A reader named Jonathan said being at the Cloud was the next best thing to being at the game. "Being at home in front of the telly is nothing new. If we win or lose I like to share that experience."

Thomas Klaassen agreed. "Yes we can watch it at home, and yes we can watch it in a cafe or restaurant, but that is not what it is all about," he said. "The experience and atmosphere of being around hundreds or thousands of Kiwis supporting the same cause is second to none. Having experienced this four years ago, winning the Rugby World Cup whilst in my lounge just wouldn't be the same."

However, Ateed is not alone in its decision not to screen the game.

Of all the district councils contacted by the Herald yesterday - Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Napier, Tauranga, Dunedin, Palmerston North, Nelson, New Plymouth, Whangarei and Southland - none were holding special events for the final. Many cited the same or similar reasons to Ateed.

The Herald last night contacted Mayor Len Brown's office to see if he supported Ateed's decision.

A spokesman said the mayor had not received any feedback on the suggestion.

"The mayor's main focus at this stage is ensuring the All Blacks understand the strength of support back home as they prepare for the final," he said.

Some readers agreed that there should be no public screening on Sunday morning.

Julia Braybrook said there were lots of places open specifically for the game and considering "the public push" to get bars special licences to serve alcohol during screenings, thought the public should then support these businesses.

"However, I think it's still a shame that the Cloud hasn't been used during the Rugby World Cup, especially since so much money was spent on screens."

Other readers, when asked if they thought there should be a public screening, emailed the Herald with the simple answer of "No".

Many others debated both sides of the argument on Facebook.