Christchurch loses bid to host 2007 World Netball Champs

26 January 2007

Christchurch has lost its bid to host the 2007 World Netball Championships.

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore says it is disappointing the city has lost its bid to host the championships but is urging every netball fan in the country to get behind Auckland’s event to ensure once again New Zealand is seen as a great sporting nation.

“I want to congratulate Auckland and wish them all the very best in what will be a very exciting time in the City of Sails,” Mr Moore says.

“The international event was dropped into New Zealand’s lap at the last minute and came down to two bids. I am very proud to have been part of the Christchurch contingent that put together a stunning bid in what was a tight timeframe. ”

“The Christchurch City Council, Vbase and Canterbury Netball made the joint bid on behalf of the city and also received strong support from the Council’s elected members.”

The council met last week, holding an extraordinary meeting in-committee, to endorse a package of financial, logistical and staff support, to support the city’s bid for the championships.

Netball New Zealand won the rights late last year to host the 2007 World Netball Championships after the coup in Fiji saw the World Netball Federation evoke Fiji’s rights to the event. Christchurch and Auckland were both asked in late December to make a bid to host the event.

“Christchurch last hosted the World Netball Championships in 1999. This event was an overwhelming success and as a city we are proud of not only our sporting prowess but our record of hosting successful international events.”

Mr Moore says the city’s next world event challenges were to host the World Bowls Championships in 2008 and Rugby World Cup in 2011.

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