By 
I went to the rugby world cup breakfast hosted by the Chamber and our local World Cup working group yesterday. I left with a feeling that in no way does it look like HB is at all ready for the World Cup next year. John Kirwan was the guest speaker and those that missed his presentation missed a fantastic insight into his life and his involvement as an ambassador for New Zealand. JK spoke off the cuff with passion about why he wanted to be involved in leaving a legacy for New Zealand as host of World Cup 2011. He and the team at New Zealand 2011 have been doing a lot of work to foster business growth for New Zealand businesses and linking us up with businesses off shore.
The same can not be said for our local approach or for that fact Hawke's Bay as a region which will host games next year. The $10 a head function was held in a room that harked back to the 70's and was in no way a showcase for Hawke's Bay Wine Country. I admit that the presentation was more about how local businesses could be involved in the world cup but I think we gave a very poor insight into how we are prepared and what we offer. JK is trotting all over the globe selling the virtues of NZ and he's also the current Japan coach (a team that will play in HB). We had a great opportunity to give him a great impression of what we plan to do and then he can pass on that message wherever he goes over the next 400 days.
Just what are we up to with the World Cup? What is our big idea that will lure people away from the big cities and provide a compelling reason to come to HB. It's likely we'll be warmer than everywhere else, we are Wine Country - so that's another point of difference, so lets get kicking!
At the last World Cup the All Blacks spent most of their time in Marseille - so why can't we be positioned as the Marseille of New Zealand? A place where the sun will be shining, where our people are welcoming along with the opportunity to play golf at some of the best courses in NZ, have a wine at some of the best wineries on offer - the list goes on and on. So just what are we doing - we need to have our entire region excited about this event.
I hope those that are developing our legacy are all geared up to celebrate and announce something on the one year out anniversary and the next remaining milestones in the lead up to the World Cup.
The next issue of The Profit will have a story about the world cup - of which the angle and approach may change following JK's presentation. If you have any ideas of what we could do to make Hawke's Bay the best place to visit during the World Cup - then let's hear it!
14:16, 09.07.2010
Well said Damon. We don’t want to follow Auckland’s shambolic lead. Look what they’re up to now: http://bit.ly/aAlwvX
15:12, 09.07.2010
Funny you should ask Damon!! Because Mogul is in the process of putting Havelock North’s businesses on the map for the RWC – check it out – http://bit.ly/bjnYWB
15:13, 09.07.2010
I reckon we should be the place that people stay between games. The base they come and go from. It’s central and warm with settled weather so can easily pitch for ‘home base’.
I suggest we grab a few paddock areas. Provide generators, showers, wifi, food stalls, big screens, movie nights and security. Make the Bay the best and cheapest place to stay. That will provide a huge influx of visitors spending locally.
03:30, 14.07.2010
Damon I agree that we do not really understand the potential of the RWC as an opportunity. Yes it is over a year away but somehow we have to get people to see the opportunity to showcase ourselves. Our whole hospitality sector needs to give a great experience,. I agree with Rod that we need to make space available with basic amenties. We also need to use the opportunity to try new things. The Mogul RWC concept is fantastic. Well done George and team. I am also confident we can use our new runway to attract people between games for charter flights. Cheaps fares and cruise ships, inovative products, great hospitality and we can indeed make the most of this opportunity. Just look at the football world cup!
07:22, 14.07.2010
Yes a longer run way will be good for charter flights – but it’s firstly about people knowing what Hawke’s Bay has to offer during the cup – so they will jump on a plane or drive from Wellington or Auckland to the sunny Bay. Let’s not forget that in September we’re experiencing spring while other regions are still in Winter.
Not sure how many from the hospo industry were at the event last week (hopefully a few but I doubt it) as they would have picked up on JK’s legacy message.
Mogul’s RWC concept is fantastic – and perhaps that’s what it will take – some entrepreneurial spirit (go for it attitude!)rather than a committee of status approach.
What ideas are out there for us to capitalise on the Cup? The club seasons in the northern hemisphere are about to start again – now’s the time to get the wheels in motion.
There’s an interesting article about social media with some commentary from RWC 2011 – have a read at http://www.stoppress.co.nz/social-media/2010/07/marketers-peer-inside-book-of-faces-rwc-taps-social-media-well/?utm_source=stoppress&utm_medium=Tuesday&utm_campaign=July13
14:35, 19.07.2010
There was a story on what Wellington’s up to for the Rugby World Cup and within it was a sub story about HB’s plans – which will be revealed in September. It sounds very exciting – so lets see what’s planned.
I was surprised by one comment in the story that the big screen zones will be at local cinemas instead of outside like in Auckland and Wellington. Why not have one in Ahuriri – up against a large wall somewhere? I think we’re send the wrong message by saying the weather is not that great then and the screens need to be inside.
20:37, 21.07.2010
Havelock North are starters? What do we need to do?
Adrienne Pierce, President, Havelock North Business Association