Katene Rahui: Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill — Third Reading 
Katene Rahui: Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill — Third Reading 
[Volume:668;Page:15337] 
RAHUI KATENE (Maori Party—Te Tai Tonga) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to rise to speak on the Rugby World Cup 2011 (Empowering) Bill. The bill establishes a Rugby World Cup Authority to enable applications for activities or facilities necessary for the proper conduct of the forthcoming Rugby World Cup to be determined efficiently. In doing so the intention is honourable and commendable. It is designed to support the smooth and expedient administration of Rugby World Cup activities and that in itself is great. 
I acknowledge the initiative taken last week by our co-leader and the Minister of Maori Affairs the Hon Dr Pita Sharples in launching the Maori artwork that will feature on official Rugby World Cup 2011 merchandise next year. It was a great honour to host the Minister for the Rugby World Cup and the collective of Maori professional designers responsible for the collection of 11 designs at our marae Takapuwahia in Porirua. I really encourage members to look into the work of the six young Maori artists five of whom are from Nga Aho Inc. They will achieve international recognition I believe for the Rugby World Cup Maori Art Programme derived from their talents. I want to reiterate some comments the Minister of Maori Affairs made at the hui. He said: “The Rugby World Cup is not just about the rugby. It is also about the economic and commercial benefits to our country and our people and that is the kaupapa of today’s celebration.” In fact it is not just rugby that will be the winner on the day. That is a very important statement a statement that I believe to be critical to the successful implementation of this bill. The amazing environment at Takapuwahia last week seemed to me to be an utter contrast to some of the issues we have raised in previous readings of this bill. 
The bill speeds up the consenting process for Rugby World Cup - related facilities and activities and allows for special Rugby World Cup liquor licences. That has always been an issue for us and for the general public. Our greatest concern is that the much-lauded new flexibility might lend itself to an increase in beer tents for partygoers or a relaxed environment that will entice excessive alcohol-induced behaviours from foreign tour parties coming to support their team not to mention our own hooligans. We have been keen to ensure appropriate management to avoid public disturbances or mass arrests from the specific liquor-licensing requirements but I raise the concern that we might be placing too much emphasis on liquor licensing and allowing people the opportunity to become inebriated while watching the rugby. 
For a significant sector of our population simply getting to the game itself will be an issue. We have spoken about the need for the Rugby World Cup to be accessible and leave New Zealand with a legacy of accessible infrastructure for the growing access tourism market. For those members who are not up with the jargon “access tourism” is tourism travel and hospitality that takes into account the access needs of people with permanent or temporary disabilities older people and anyone else who needs improved access such as parents with prams. I refer to our partners across the ditch who have led the way in access tourism. Australia left a legacy of an accessible environment after it hosted the Sydney Olympics in 2000. Australia now has the ability to cater for the growing access tourism market which is estimated to be worth about A$4.8 billion a year. The access tourism market in New Zealand is estimated to be worth NZ$1 billion a year. Access tourism presents a major economic opportunity and is growing in popularity in many parts of the world because of increasing numbers of post - World War II baby boomers who wish to travel and are ageing and are therefore experiencing a degree of disability. 
An accessible event needs to be accessible at every point of the journey. It starts with being able to confidently book online in the knowledge that the details on accessibility are reliable and consistent. Poor information acts as a barrier and discourages people with access needs from travelling. Every aspect of transport and accommodation as well as the event itself needs to be accessible. Finally the opportunity exists with the Rugby World Cup to create an accessible environment for all to enjoy a great game of rugby. 
The Rugby World Cup creates an opportunity for indigenous people and commercial entities to work together to produce authentic and exclusive indigenous products that can market our nation to the globe. Maori have a strong history of supporting and participating in rugby. 
The Maori Party has concerns that alcohol is already playing too prominent a role in the World Cup and we are concerned that the Minister for the Rugby World Cup has too much power under the bill but we will support the bill at its third reading.