Extra Police staff will be on duty to keep people safe when Wellington hosts the All Blacks v Wallabies in the second test of the Bledisloe Cup this Saturday.
Given it’s a sell-out event, the city will be busy with a lot of people.
In addition, there are a number of school balls taking place in Wellington, including a large one at Te Papa.
“The additional Police staff will be highly visible around the stadium and in the entertainments areas, such as Courtney Place. We encourage patrons to drink responsibly,” says Operation Commander, Inspector Neil Banks.
“It should be remembered that people who become intoxicated often become victims. Some become offenders. Look after yourselves and others.
“We want supporters and other visitors to the city to enjoy themselves and have a good time, but we also want to ensure they keep themselves safe,” says Mr Banks.
Fans are being asked to think about their travel plans now.
On the day itself, people should leave plenty of time to get into the Westpac Stadium, whether they’re travelling by public transport or car.
But we remind people that if they are having a drink before going to the stadium to ensure they don’t take their cars.
"It is expected that the stadium carpark will be sold out, so those who do not have a pre-booked parking space there should not attempt to enter the stadium driveway on the off-chance," says Senior Sergeant Richard Hocken, Wellington District Response Manager for Road Policing.
“This area quickly overloads if unnecessary turning movements are added to the intersection."
Similarly for these ‘full house’ events, it is not appropriate to enter the carpark area to drop off patrons.
The best drop-off location is Thorndon Quay, to access the Fran Wilde walkway from the spiral. Motorway traffic should use the Murphy Street off-ramp, and northern suburbs use Hutt Road and Thorndon Quay.
Taxis will not be allowed entry to the stadium after 6pm. Taxis and shuttle vans from the city will be directed, as usual, to Bunny Street (Railway Station), and Thorndon Quay is the best option from the north.
Disabled patrons should also head to the Thorndon Quay spiral as the mobility vehicles are based there for the trip along the walkway.
Patrons on the port side of Waterloo Quay should use the overbridge as the ground level pedestrian crossing is shut.
Note to media:
Wellington District Response Manager for Road Policing, Senior Sergeant Richard Hocken, is available for interviews today. Please contact the Media Centre to arrange an interview.
ENDS
Police Media Centre