Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill — Second Reading 
Bakshi Kanwaljit Singh: Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill — Second Reading 
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KANWALJIT SINGH BAKSHI (National) 
: 
 I stand to support the Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill. The aim of the bill is to attain the consent and the regulatory approval essential for the smooth running of the activities related to the Rugby World Cup and of the facilities that will support that event. It is extremely important for New Zealand to host this event successfully and to take all opportunities offered for such a large-scale event which will in turn bring prosperity and opportunities to businesses and chances to show the world that New Zealand can capably hold such successful events. 
Hosting an event on such a scale which will see 85000 overseas visitors and tens of thousands of New Zealanders attending games in the Rugby World Cup in different zones brings a lot of challenges. Therefore it is crucial that we have special legislation set up to enable the event to be a success and to make sure we make the most out of all the opportunities the event brings. This bill is very important because the existing regulatory approval process will not be able to process the extraordinary requirements of the tournament. This bill will be able to provide the urgent approval that may be needed to resolve unforeseeable circumstances immediately before and during the tournament. 
The Government Administration Committee considered this bill and recommended a few changes which are non-controversial. Some of the recommendations of the select committee include a change of use of the provisions in the Building Act to enable apartment buildings to be used for temporary Rugby World Cup accommodation without seeking building consents. It is also recommended that Rugby World Cup activities and events occurring on or near water be declared maritime events under the Maritime Transport Act 1994 which will allow the police to create an exclusion zone in designated areas such as Queen’s Wharf. 
The select committee also recommended allowing cruise ships and chartered clubs and holders of Sale of Liquor Act licences to apply for Rugby World Cup liquor licences. It is worth mentioning that the granting of a Rugby World Cup liquor licence will not extend the hours during which existing gambling machines can be operated and it will also prevent an installation of such machines in newly licensed areas. 
Appointments to the Rugby World Cup Authority are to be made by the Minister for the Rugby World Cup following consultation with the Minister for the Environment the Minister of Justice and the Minister for Economic Development and the authority will operate on a cost-recovery basis by passing costs on to applicants. The administrative and secretarial support to the Rugby World Cup Authority will be provided by the territorial authorities of each district in which an application is made. The ability to grant approvals by the Rugby World Cup Authority will expire on 31 October 2011. All approvals under this bill will be temporary and will expire no later than 31 December 2011. 
I support this bill. I recognise the huge opportunities that the Rugby World Cup will bring to our country.