Auckland Council Says No To Rugby World Cup Final Showing

There will be no public screening of the Rugby World Cup final on Sunday morning in Auckland, says the council body that oversaw Party Central on Queens Wharf four years ago.

"With the RWC 2015 final screening live on free-to-air television at 5am, the public already has a number of options, from viewing the game in the comfort of their own homes or supporting one of Auckland's many cafes, restaurants and bars who are opening specifically for the occasion," said a spokeswoman for the council's events arm, Ateed.

She said Ateed had investigated whether there was a need for a publicly funded screening in the early hours of the morning.

"It's been decided that this is not warranted when there are already a number of businesses catering for those members of the public who want to enjoy the game alongside other fans."

Four years ago, taxpayers shelled out $9.8 million to build the Cloud on Queens Wharf to showcase New Zealand and as a fanzone during the Cup. Ratepayers chipped in a further $900,000 for two giant screens for people to watch matches at the Cloud. The screens are still owned by the council, but have remained turned off during the 2015 tournament.

- NZ Herald