New Zealand name Minister for RWC

New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark has announced that Trevor Mallard will fill the newly created Cabinet post of Minister for the Rugby World Cup.

Clark said having a Minister for the Rugby World Cup would ensure co-ordination across government agencies, and the successful management of the event in 2011.
 
"Hosting the Rugby World Cup will deliver significant economic and tourism benefits for New Zealand," said Clark.
 
"It is important that we have a Minister responsible for planning and co-ordinating this event so we can offer the best possible experience to our visitors, and to leverage the maximum benefit to New Zealand from it.
 
"As Trevor Mallard is the Minister for Sport and Recreation and for Economic Development, and he is a passionate rugby supporter, he is clearly placed to take on this new role.

The government and the NZRU will make cash contributions towards costs of hosting the Cup of NZ$20m (US$13.8m) and $10m ($6.9m) respectively.

The cost of bidding is estimated at $3.2m ($2.2m) to date, with the government contributing half. 
 
It is estimated that the Cup will attract around 60,000 visitors to New Zealand and generate an extra $408m ($279.6m) to the economy. 
 
"There is going to need to be a very close relationship between the Government and the New Zealand Rugby Union, because of the significance of the Government partnership," concluded Clark.