Introducing 'Tauranga 2011'

Early days yet (only a few hours actually), but I am delighted to formally announce 'Tauranga 2011'.

The decision to cut the City from New Zealand's 2011 Rugby World Cup plans presents the Western Bay of Plenty with a number of seriously positive marketing opportunities. (And all in the best interests of 'Festival New Zealand', of course)

To understand that, let's consider the following:

1. The world's media will be in NZ for several weeks and their total current focus will be RWC 2011. Let Tauranga and the WBOP provide them with an alternative view of 'sporting' New Zealand.

2. Tens of thousands of overseas visitors will be on our shores. Let Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty provide them with plenty of what we are good at - (We do not have the name 'Plenty' for nothing).

- The 2011 WORLD GAME FISHING TOURNAMENT
- The 2011 WORLD BLOKART CHAMPIONSHIPS
- The 2001 WORLD SPEEDWAY CHAMPIONSHIPS (p.s. we do not need a clean stadium)
- The 2011 WORLD KAYAKING CHAMPIONSHIPS
- The 2011 WORLD SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS

All to run concurrently with the RWC 2011 schedule. And let's be bold. Let's put up NZD 1 million prize money for each event. Maybe 2.

That's opportunity. It actually sounds a bit like Melbourne. Now that really is a long term opportunity. And that's just my first one hour take on Tauranga 2011.

I haven't even considered the cycleway yet.