KEY POINTS:
The Auckland region will use its economic clout and glut of stadiums to try to maximise the number of games it hosts during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Rather than leave the three proposed venues of Eden Park, Mt Smart and North Harbour Stadium to mount individual bids, the region is taking a co-ordinated approach.
The regional bid is being led by Rachael Dacy, group manager of city events at Auckland City Council.
Under her guidance, it is aiming to enhance the tourism experience of the thousands of overseas visitors expected to attend the World Cup.
There are fears among city councillors that the majority of visitors will see Auckland as a gateway and spend little time in the city, preferring to head to the tourism meccas of Rotorua, Taupo and Queenstown.
Dacy said it was also vital for everyone in the region to understand that co-operation between the various council bodies, the infrastructure providers and the three stadiums would give Auckland a much better chance of winning more games.
"I believe the Auckland region will make a very competitive bid," said Dacy.
"On pure size and economic factors we will be very competitive. The region also has three excellent stadiums and all the infrastructure.
"The IRB has laid down some extensive criteria, as you would expect, and we feel that Auckland has a lot to offer, particularly if we can provide a region-wide support package to enhance the visitor experience.
"We want to make sure Auckland is the most activated region in New Zealand during the 2011 World Cup."
Dacy said a working group was looking at the number of games Auckland could realistically host.
Eden Park has already been allocated both semifinals and the final and, depending on the criteria laid down by Rugby New Zealand 2011, may well be put forward to host at least one quarter-final.
Dacy said the intention was to share the games among the three stadiums.
But in reality it was probable that quarter-finals would be required to have a minimum number of seats, which neither North Harbour nor Mt Smart would likely be able to provide.
Both stadiums will, therefore, be hoping to be heavily involved in hosting pool games.
With ticket sales the only source of revenue available to Rugby New Zealand 2011 to cover their hosting costs, the desire to take games around the country will have to be carefully balanced against the need to raise funds.
While some regions might fear that Auckland could be awarded a dominating share of activity, Dacy argues that the diversity of the city's population would play a significant role in fulfilling the festival theme Rugby New Zealand 2011 is hoping to foster.
"If you look at the North Shore there is a significant South African population there. I'm sure the South Africans would enjoy playing at a venue where they could gain strong local support.
"It's the same with Mt Smart where you could potentially have a Pacific Island nation or nations well supported," she said.
"We could certainly make these points in our bid and we feel we have a significant programme of events planned and also significant experience in hosting events."
Part of the desire to host multiple games stems from the belief that the more rugby played in Auckland, the more opportunity there will be to part tourists from their cash.
It would also be helpful if a number of teams choose to base themselves in the greater Auckland region.
There is evidence from France to suggest that some tourists will opt to stay, at least for a few days, in the city where their national team is based.
"There will be some people who will come here for a long stay - maybe six weeks - and the reality is they will travel throughout New Zealand," said Dacy. "That is great and is all part of the New Zealand experience. What we have to do is make sure that we have a significant offering."
Rugby New Zealand 2011 is expected to release details of quarter-finals hosting criteria at the end of this month with bids to be submitted by June.
Pool game bids are expected to be submitted in October with decisions made around March 2009.
