Kick-off on Tauranga waterfront

Councillor Terry Molloy. Photo: Bruce Barnard.

Tauranga fans can clamber into the boiling cauldron of Lions and All Black rugby free of charge tonight.

Tauranga City Council has organised a fanzone on the Tauranga CBD waterfront where people can enjoy a free live broadcast of the sold-out first DHL Lions versus All Blacks test match on a big screen.

That'll have a lot of appeal to those who can't afford or have access to pay-to-view TV or buy a seat for $140-449, and those who just want share the experience of the All Blacks spanking the Lions with other Tauranga fans. Hopefully!

Councillor Terry Molloy is looking forward to test fervour in the CBD.

'We wanted to make sure people could be part of the excitement even if they weren't able to get to Eden Park.”

And whether people are locals or visitors, Terry says the family-friendly fanzone will be the place to be for a slice of off-field action.

The live broadcast begins at 6.30pm with the test match kicking off at 7.35pm. Some food and drink options will be available in the fanzone and all the CBD restaurants and bars will be open. It is an alcohol-free zone but you can take a picnic. Access to the fanzone is free.

'Don't forget to bring a blanket, a chair and wrap yourself warmly for a night of rugby,” says Terry.

Both the Elizabeth St and Spring St carparks will be open 24/7 and free on the day. Visitors can also park all day free on off-street car parks and free from 1pm in on-street car parks.

Tauranga's city centre, including the waterfront, is a 24/7 alcohol-free and glass-free zone.

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7 comments

spend spend spend...someone else's money

Posted on 24-06-2017 08:01 | By Captain Sensible

Please can TCC stop throwing away someone else's money on these nonsensical money wasters. Us ratepayers work hard only to have TCC take our money and then spend it on whatever they like, without any recognition to the hard work and sweat we put in. We all know who will win the game so it won't be exciting.


Another view point from the Captain's

Posted on 24-06-2017 11:10 | By Rupert Bear

Captain Sensible seems more like Commander Miserable with their comment. First, I haven't seen the costs involved but with that qualification, I am pleased to see TCC spending some of my money encouraging a community spirit. The article talks about those who may not be able to attend or watch this game due to financial constraint. This is a great initiative to address that. Next, this is a fine example of enhancing our image as a great place to visit as a tourist. What might be a useful step to take for TCC would be to explore corporate sponsorship to offset the cost - I am confident, packaged correctly, this could be found and might help ameliorate the negative feelings The Captain experiences. Finally, surely whether the game is exciting or not will depend on what you bring to it.


I'm not going either...

Posted on 24-06-2017 11:48 | By Shano

... because I'm not much of a rugby fan but I'm not such a miserable old fart that I begrudge others going and enjoying it. Good on Tauranga Council - I'm happy to pay rates for these events. I've lived in cities all over the world and I'm regularly impressed with what council do here. It's going to be great that people that can't afford Sky will get to enjoy the event.


legacy for next generation

Posted on 24-06-2017 16:05 | By Captain Sensible

You all seem that leaving a legacy for your kids of being unable to afford to live in this area is OK. Spend spend spend means some day someone must pay, pay, pay, back ....with interest. So Sunlive allow "miserable old fart" as name calling do they? Firstly, although I am not old, that is insulting to old people. Just because you have a different opinion to me gives you what right for insults, as lame as they are. TCC are a joke and are so generous with OTHER peoples money. TCC expect the ratepayers to pay for their (councillors) meals as well as any other idea that pops into their head. Maybe the TCC could charge people like you an extra levy for all those who want stuff "for free".


stick to council business

Posted on 24-06-2017 17:20 | By the roofer

My rates have gone up sevearal hundred per-cent over the years. I pay for my water, my rubbish, and now I am expected to pay for some rugby fans enjoymment. I am sick of this out of touch council dabbling in events that are not council bussiness.


Here is another idea, regarding what we bring to it ...

Posted on 24-06-2017 19:07 | By Rupert Bear

I imagine there are many families for whom participating in this event is not just financially challenging - it will be logistically difficult also. I am thinking especially of young solo parent families where boys (and girls for that matter) would not only enjoy the experience but would benefit from inclusion. Next time why not involve the Lions or some other similar safe accredited organization to provide a minibus and chaperone for these kids. Obviously, there will need to be parameters for this to work but such an initiative may have far reaching benefits and help to close what is often a daunting divide between the haves and the not-haves. The excitement and childhood memories thus created, in the spirit of friendship, would be a good seed to plant.


I wonder....

Posted on 25-06-2017 09:51 | By Captain Sensible

Wondering if TCC will have a fanzone set up for the finale of 'Master Chef' for the people who can't afford a TV but love cooking?


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