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Your one-stop guid to the Capital's Lion's tour offerings

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Your one-stop guid to the Capital's Lion's tour offerings

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Impact on NZ

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The British and Irish Lions - and their hordes of fans - are here ready to take on the All Blacks. Damian George and Katarina Williams report on all you need to know about the team, their fans and what to expect when they hit the capital from Sunday.
There's no escaping the surge of interest in the British and Irish Lions' presence on New Zealand's sporting landscape this month.

The once-every-12 years circus is upon us. But, how did it all start and what can we expect?

The British and Irish Lions, formerly the British Lions, British Isles and, if you go back far enough, the Shaw and Shrewsbury Team, are a composite side made up of the best players from England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.

The side was created in 1888 by three professional English cricketers - including sports clothing outfitters Alfred Shaw and Arthur Shrewsbury - who took a predominantly English side on a 35-game tour of Australia and New Zealand, in what was primarily a money-making venture.

READ MORE:
* ​Wellington lays in supplies as it awaits the arrival of the red army
* Wellington to bring the party to the Lions show
* Lions tour: Lions security regularly sweep team hotel rooms amid fears of spying
* Wellington puts on hangi for Lions rugby tour followers
* Live match screenings confirmed for Wellington's Lions fan zone
* Capital accommodation shortage forces Lions fans to leave town in dead of night

The side quickly became known as the British Isles, and embarked on its first sanctioned tour to South Africa three years later. It officially adopted the Lions moniker in 1950 and, in 2001, the word "Irish" was added to signify the side represented British and Irish players (reflecting that the Republic of Ireland is not part of Britain).
WHY ARE THEY HERE?
The side never plays at home, instead touring South Africa, Australia or New Zealand in what have become regular four-yearly cycles.

This means the Lions only visit New Zealand about once every 12 years and, in their 129-year history, the Lions have toured New Zealand just 12 times, seven of those together with Australia.

One of the distinctions of a Lions tour is that it takes in many more games than just the test matches, harking back to the amateur era when sides would typically play a number of regional sides as well as the tests.

These days, the "mid-week" games are against strong Super Rugby franchises, rather than provincial sides. Despite often missing players through All Black or Maori All Black commitments, those teams can offer up stiff challenges.

This year's tour has been called the Lions' toughest ever, with 10 matches in five weeks, including six before the first test in Auckland tonight, and the side has already lost to the Blues and Highlanders.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT?
Despite the hype associated with a Lions visit, and the huge interest it attracts, the tourists have only beaten New Zealand in a series once - in 1971.

On that occasion, the Lions fielded what is widely regarded as one of the finest sides to ever play the game, especially its star-studded backline.

It has won just six and drawn three of 38 matches against New Zealand, and many are predicting a 3-0 scoreline in favour of the All Blacks.

But the Lions have started to hit form, recording convincing wins against the Maori team and a depleted Chiefs team recently, having already beaten a Crusaders side containing nine past or present All Blacks.
WHAT ECONOMIC BENEFITS WILL THE TOUR BRING TO WELLINGTON?
The Lions' visit to Wellington in 2005 pumped an estimated $23 million into the local economy.

However, figures for next week's visit are expected to surpass that, because both the Hurricanes (June 27) and All Blacks matches (July 1) are being played here across the best part of a week.

"We would expect that the economic contribution will be greater than that this time around, given that we'll have more touring fans at the Tuesday night match than the corresponding Wellington match in 2005," says Warrick Dent of Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (Wreda).

"If you look at the projected numbers, we're looking at over 20,000 fans coming in."

In fact, previous marquee events hosted by the city, including the cricket and rugby world cups and the annual World of WearableArt, suggest that number is likely to be higher still.

"If you look at the Tuesday match, we would expect that more than a third of people going there will be from out of town and then well in excess of that for the Saturday game," Dent said.

He would not be drawn on how much public money has been sunk into hosting.

"We have a fair idea of people's spending habits ... we're very comfortable with the level of investment and the return we'll get from the visitors that come in," he said.

More than a third of rugby supporters at the stadium for Tuesday's Hurricanes match are expected to come from out of town, with even higher visitor numbers on Saturday.

Authorities expect to have a better idea of how many people will converge on Wellington for the twin matches following tonight's test.
NO RUGBY TICKET? NO PROBLEM
Fans who have been unable to secure match tickets can still soak up the party atmosphere at the city's official family-friendly fan zone.

Odlins Plaza on Wellington's waterfront is to broadcast both matches live on a big screen, with the area near Frank Kitts Lagoon set to become a supervised party zone with live music until 1am.

Food trucks, a bar and live entertainment are among the offerings throughout the week, including a movie night on Thursday where Hunt for the Wilderpeople and Hot Fuzz will screen (start times: 6pm, 8pm).

Those interested in sampling some of the country's best craft beer can head to the 'Pint-sized Beervana' event at nearby Te Wharewaka o Poneke, also on Thursday (7pm-9.30pm). Offerings from some of New Zealand's most beloved breweries will be matched with food from local eateries.

On Friday, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will put on a special concert at the Michael Fowler Centre called Lands of Hope & Glory, and the city's arts and culture prowess will be on show at 'ReCut' in Civic Square.

Over at the fan zone, Friday will also see a Guinness World Record attempt made for the most people simultaneously playing coin rugby. Participants are invited to bring a $2 coin from 6.30pm.

Those wanting to experience Maori culture can take in Wellington Harbour onboard a waka at Te Wharewaka o Poneke throughout the week. On test day, an estimated 300 people will feast on hangi at a new permanent hangi pit. Tickets are available through Karaka Cafe.

The fan zone will also open from 11am on Saturday. Entry is free all week. However, there are no scheduled events on Wednesday. Events were due to run rain or shine.

"Wellingtonians don't mind getting out there and braving the elements and enjoying themselves and we fully expect that the touring fans will be exactly the same," Dent said.

"It is our chance to shine, our chance to put on a show, so I would encourage people to get down there."
FANDEMONIUM ON THE FAN TRAIL
Walking to Wespac Stadium is set to become an illuminating experience, with about 20 lighting installations bringing the winter nights to light.

In a bid to showcase Wellington's creativity and technological excellence, light shows, projections and interactive displays will brighten the waterfront path on Tuesday and Saturday.

The theme is Matariki - Maori New Year - with illuminated poi, fire, Pasifika performances and Matariki star imagery featuring in the digital displays.

"People will get a lot of surprises and delight as they make their way up to the stadium, but also, of course, when they come out of the stadium ... in the middle of winter, it's a great chance to use light, to use projection mapping and just some really quirky things."

Matariki, the Maori name for the Pleiades star cluster, was traditionally a time for remembering the dead and celebrating new life.

The fan trail starts at the fan zone at Odlins Plaza and travels along the waterfront towards the stadium.
AFTER THE FINAL WHISTLE
Thousands of people are expected to converge on the city's bars, pubs and restaurants after the matches.

In anticipation on the influx of partygoers, city officials have chosen to close Courtenay Place and some of the surrounding streets off from traffic (full information below).

"Courtenay Place will be a natural attraction for people after the match, so we want to make sure we put on a good show for everyone," Dent said.

"Looking back on 2005, some of the anecdotal evidence was that the experience touring fans had in Wellington was exceptional and we want to make sure they have an exceptional time here again."
WHAT'S HAPPENING WITH PUBLIC TRANSPORT?

Extra trains and buses will be put on for both Westpac Stadium games. Photo: MAARTEN HOLL/FAIRFAX NZ

The two sold-out matches at Westpac Stadium - against the Hurricanes on Tuesday and the All Blacks next Saturday - are expected to be the busiest days on the city's rail network this year.

Transdev spokeswoman Emily Liddell said an extra 35,000 people were expected to use the region's trains on each of the match days, which would almost quadruple the Saturday average of just 12,000.

Tuesday's patronage was expected to jump from the weekday average of 56,000 to more than 80,000. Those numbers would make the event even bigger than last year's sold-out Edinburgh Military Tattoo concerts, and more than 30 extra services have been provided to cater for the masses.

On the Wairarapa line, extra services will run from Wellington to Masterton at 10pm and 10.30pm on Saturday, and at 10pm on Tuesday. The trains will travel express to Maymorn then stop at all stations afterwards. The journey is expected to take about 90 minutes.

For Saturday's test, an additional train will run from Masterton to the capital at 2.20pm, arriving at 3.55pm.

Trains on the Johnsonville, Hutt Valley and Kapiti lines will continue running on demand until 1am on the morning after the two matches. Weekday trains on those lines normally stop departing from Wellington shortly after 11pm. Saturday night trains normally continue departing until just after 1am.

Before Saturday's game, extra carriages will be added to scheduled train services from 10.30am. Tuesday services will remain unchanged.

Extra buses will be running after both matches on Wellington, Hutt Valley, Newlands, Porirua and Kapiti lines. Full details are available on the Metlink website.

Additional ferries from Queens Wharf to Days Bay have been scheduled for 10pm on both match days.

Courtenay Place will be closed to traffic between Cambridge Terrace and Taranaki St from 5am next Saturday until 7am Sunday. This also includes Blair and Allen streets between Courtenay Place and Wakefield St. Buses will detour via Wakefield St, Cable St and Taranaki St.

Standard road closures will be in place around Westpac Stadium on match days. Wellington City Council has warned people to allow extra time for travel and to expect a lot of traffic.
WHERE WILL ALL THE CAMPERVANS GO?

Part of a campervan convoy drives towards Westpac Stadium in Wellington during the 2005 Lions tour. Photo: FAIRFAX NZ

About 1300 campervans are expected to flood into Wellington from tomorrow, and Wreda has conceded some freedom camping is inevitable.

Three temporary parking sites set up around the city are all booked out, and it is possible vehicles could end up being parked in Oriental Parade and Cambridge/Kent Terrace. The Wellington region has capacity for about 1200 campervans, leaving it about 100 short.

The council has asked campervan drivers staying at camp sites to leave their vehicles there, due to limited central city parking.

Self-contained campervans can park at the temporary Barnett St site, on the corner of Barnett and Cable streets, for $100 a night. The area will be closed to regular vehicles from Tuesday until the following Monday (July 3). There are no electricity or toilet facilities at this site.

Freedom camping will be allowed at the temporary sites at the southern end of the Evans Bay marina car park and Te Kopahou Reserve entrance car park in Owhiro Bay. Fishing is not allowed at this site, and campers are advised to secure rubbish and other belongings so they do not blow away in the often strong winds.

A third temporary parking site has been set up privately in the parking area near the former air force and naval buildings in Shelly Bay. There are sewage and waste disposal stations at Evans Bay marina, Ngauranga Gorge, and Tawa Swimming Pool.

In Wellington, these are at the Capital Gateway Motorhome Park in Newlands Rd, and the Cuba St Motorhome Park in Garrett St (electricity only).

Outside Wellington, the following tent and campervan sites are between 20km and 50km outside the city:

Hutt Valley: Battle Hill Farm Forest Park, Belmont Regional Park, Kaitoke Regional Park, Rimutaka Forest Park, Harcourt Holiday Park, Kiwi Holiday Park, Top 10 Holiday Park.

Kapiti: Kapiti Holiday Resort

Porirua: Camp Elsdon

There is free overnight parking for self-contained campervans at the following sites in Porirua: Ngati Toa Domain, Bradeys Bay Park, Onepoto Esplanade Reserve, Motukaraka Point Reserve.
CAN I MEET THE TEAM?

Lions tour captain Sam Warburton during a wreath-laying ceremony in Christchurch. Photo: JOSEPH JOHNSON/FAIRFAX NZ

The short answer is yes. But you will have to be quick.

The Lions have scheduled few public engagements for the tour, and there will be none in the capital. That means fans' best chance to nab a photo or autograph with their heroes will be when the Lions arrive at Wellington Airport at 2.35pm tomorrow.

From there, a few members of the squad, mainly management, will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Pukeahu National War Memorial Park to mark the 100-year anniversary of the Battle of Passchendaele. The public is welcome to look on, but the event is not a public engagement activity.

Its only community activities in New Zealand were in the first week of its tour, when it visited 12 schools, hospitals and retirement homes while travelling from Auckland to Whangarei.

The side also laid a wreath at the Canterbury Earthquake Memorial when in Christchurch.

The side will travel to Queenstown the day after the test, before travelling to Auckland next Wednesday ahead of the third and final test at Eden Park.

* BY THE NUMBERS - THE LIONS' TOUR EDITION

20,000+: The number of fans due to descend on Wellington next week

$23 million: How much the Lions' tour pumped into the capital economy in 2005

21,000: Hamburgers expected to be sold at Westpac Stadium

4.4 tonnes: The amount of chips snapped up at the games

6: The average number of hotel nights for British fans staying in Wellington

- Stuff

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Your one-stop guide to the capital's Lions tour offerings

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The British and Irish Lions - and their hordes of fans - are here ready to take on the All Blacks. Damian George and Katarina Williams report on all you need to know about the team, their fans and what to expect when they hit the capital from Sunday.

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The Lion's Effect - NZ rugby's massive windfall

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The Lion's Effect - NZ rugby's massive windfall

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A really interesting read about the last Lion's tour in 2005 and the impact/revenue it provided New Zealand.

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Steve Deane

Sportsroom editor Steve Deane is the national record holder for newspaper journalism awards finals appearances without a victory.

Twenty-point-four million dollars in cash. That's what the New Zealand Rugby banked the last time the British and Irish Lions toured here.

It is best known for Dan Carter's coming-of-age party and Brian O'Driscoll's controversial shoulder injury, however it's arguable the most dramatic thing the tour produced was the boost to New Zealand Rugby's bank balance.

Crunching the numbers from 2005, it's no wonder New Zealand Rugby have prioritised the 2017 Lions tour ahead of, well, everything. It's not every year - or even every decade - that rugby's version of Santa Claus drops by with a swag bag of cash that will more than treble the governing body's income and increase its asset base by over 20 per cent almost overnight.

That is exactly what happened in 2005.

Of the 360,000 available tickets for the 11 matches, 355,000 were sold, with a good chunk claimed by 29,000 tourists from the United Kingdom.

Figures from New Zealand Rugby's 2005 annual repor t show those visitors generated estimated foreign exchange gains for the country of $120M, and a total economic benefit of $250M. While the methodology used in economic impact reporting can be malleable, the $20.4m banked by the NZRU is a rock-solid figure.

The effect on the organisation's balance sheet was dramatic.

In the previous financial year, when the All Blacks played in the Tri-Nations, hosted two June tests against England and one against Argentina before undertaking a four-match Northern Hemisphere tour, revenue from fixtures and tours was $9.24m, and total income from all sources $104.904m.

In 2005, revenue from fixtures and tours climbed to $33.904m (an increase of $24.649m) and total income was up nearly $42m to $146.675m.

The value of assets held by NZR increased from $84.458M to $108.839M - the increase almost entirely made up of the near 25 million extra dollars banked thanks to the Lions Tour (NZR's financial reports show $34.181M cash in the bank - up from $9.028M).

The Lions practically defecate money.

All smiles during the successful 2005 Tour. Picture: Getty Images

"It was a year to treasure," then NZRU chairman the late Jock Hobbs in a press release accompanying the 2005 annual report. "A year which proved that, by working closely and cohesively, New Zealand rugby is capable of making - and keeping - big promises."

And cashing in when the opportunity presents itself.

With the storm clouds of the GFC gathering, the money banked in 2005 would be needed. A year later, New Zealand Rugby's financial outlook was significantly less rosy. The game's revenue declined a whopping 36 percent in 2006. Of the $53.4m drop, $34m was directly attributable to not having a Lions series to host. Another $19m was due to exchange rate fluctuations and $10m due to a back-ended broadcasting agreement coming to a close.

"The 2006 financial result highlights the fact that, with approximately two-thirds of our revenue generated in foreign currency, we are very vulnerable to exchange rate movements," then chief executive Chris Moller noted.

By 2008, another key pressure was coming to bear. Spectator interest in the game - particularly the once mighty NPC - had begun to wane, and even All Blacks test matches were no longer selling out.

"Significant pressure remains on the sustainability of rugby at the provincial and franchise level, and this pressure is intensified by the economic, competitive and preference factors which have seen some rugby fans choose to watch or attend less rugby than they have in the past," Hobbs noted.

"We must address this issue. We must also do this in the context of the most severe economic downturn since the Great Depression."

Had it not been for the 2005 Lions cash, the situation would have been vastly more grim. The windfall helped insulate the game financially at a difficult time, but the money would not last forever. Revenues needed to increase. With income from major sponsorship contracts and broadcast rights locked in, there was only one obvious option - to play more matches.

In 2008, for the first time, an extra Bledisloe Cup match was played in Hong Kong, creating much of the additional $7.8m in revenue generated that year. Additional matches - such as the now semi-regular trip to Chicago have become an accepted part of the All Blacks schedule. While they are lucrative, the returns pale in comparison to the goldrush of a Lions tour.

It remains to be seen, though, whether the 2017 tour will deliver similar returns as 2005.

Newsroom requested interviews with New Zealand Rugby officials and submitted questions relating to financial projections for the forthcoming tour but did not receive a response in time to be included in this version of this story.

We asked New Zealand Rugby how many tickets were available for sale during the tour and how many they hoped to sell.

Our calculations - based on ground capacities published on the official Lions website suggest the total number of tickets available will be similar to 2005 - approximately 357,548 (compared to 360,000).

While the 2017 tour will comprise one less match (10 instead of 11), New Zealand's largest stadium, Eden Park, will host two of the three test matches. In a switch from the traditional tour structure, the Lions will play warm-up and mid-week matches largely against the Super Rugby franchises at major metropolitan stadiums rather than visit provinces such as Southland, Taranaki and Manawatu, as they did in 2005. The upshot is that the total number of available tickets remains similar to that of the 2005 tour.

Twelve years on from the last Lions tour, New Zealand Rugby is in a remarkably similar financial position. Its total assets are valued at $153,095m. In 2005, that figure was $108.839m which, adjusted for inflation, is $137.5m. In real terms, then, NZR has increased its asset base by just 11 per cent over 12 years.

In 2005, it took a little over six weeks to boost the game's assets by more than double that - 22.5 per cent. That's the reality of the Lion$ effect.
2005 Lions Tour
4 June v Bay of Plenty, Rotorua International Stadium W 34-20

8 June v Taranaki, Yarrow Stadium, W 36-14

11 June v New Zealand Māori, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton L 13-19

15 June v Wellington, Westpac Stadium W 23-6

18 June v Otago, Carisbrook W 30-19

21 June Southland, Rugby Park Stadium, Invercargill W 26-16

25 June New Zealand, Jade Stadium, Christchurch L 3-21

28 June Manawatu, Arena Manawatu, Palmerston North W 109-6

2 July New ZealandWestpac Stadium, Wellington L 18-48

5 July Auckland, Eden Park, Auckland W 17-13

9 July New Zealand , Eden Park, Auckland 9-38
TOTAL TICKET SALES: 355,000 2017 Lions of Tour of New Zealand with regular ground capacities
Game 1 - Saturday 3rd June 2017 Provincial Union Team, Toll Stadium, Whangarei 30,000

Game 2 - Wednesday 7th June 2017 Blues, Eden Park, Auckland 50,000

Game 3 - Saturday 10th June 2017 Crusaders, AMI Stadium Christchurch 18,000

Game 4 - Tuesday 13th June 2017 Highlanders, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin 30,748

Game 5 - Saturday 17th June 2017 Maori All Blacks, Rotorua International Stadium 34,000

Game 6 - Tuesday 20th June 2017 Chiefs, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton 25,800

Game 7 - Saturday 24th June 2017 All Blacks, Eden Park Auckland 50,000

Game 8 - Tuesday 27th June 2017 Hurricanes, Westpac Stadium Wellington 34,500

Game 9 - Saturday 1st July 2017 All Blacks, Westpac Stadium Wellington 34,500

Game 10 - Saturday 8th July 2017 All Blacks, Eden Park Auckland 50,000
MAXIMUM POSSIBLE TICKET SALES: 357,548

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The Lion$ Effect - massive windfall heading NZ Rugby's way

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Sportsroom editor Steve Deane is the national record holder for newspaper journalism awards finals appearances without a victory. Twenty-point-four million dollars in cash. That's what the New Zealand Rugby banked the last time the British and Irish Lions toured here.

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Rugby's Financial Woes to Worsen next year

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Rugby's Financial Woes to Worsen next year

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New Zealand Rugby has posted a loss of $463,000 and is budgeting for it to worsen this year as it increases funding to financially-challenged provincial rugby.

The loss for the year to December 31 comes after a profit of $373,000 a year earlier.

Income rose 11% to $133.7 million, while costs increased 12% to $134.3 million. Cash reserves fell slightly to $59.1 million from $62.6 million a year earlier.

The loss was less than the central union budgeted for, chief executive Steve Tew says, and the organisation had invested a record amount for the Rugby World Cup year, driven by its desire to win back-to-back titles.

It also increased funding for the men's and women's sevens teams in the lead-up to this year's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro where sevens makes its debut as an event.

The organisation makes less in a World Cup year with fewer tests played, Mr Tew says. Test match revenue fell $12 million from 2014, which added to an undisclosed financial loss from the 2015 Wellington Sevens.

However, Mr Tew says the cash reserves meant its overall financial position remained strong.

NZ Rugby returned to profitability in 2013, after posting annual losses since 2008. It has focused on ways to make the game more profitable, including the sale of Super franchises, as provincial unions face the squeeze from dwindling attendance and, in some cases, poorly managed finances.

The 14 Mitre 10 Cup unions had a combined deficit of $1.3 million in 2015, despite 10 unions being in the black. That's the first deficit for the combined unions since 2011, and a fall from a $1.2 million surplus in 2014.

NZ Rugby says last year was challenging for many unions, with commercial and trust funding revenue becoming harder to source and gate takings under pressure.

In order to get the unions back to surplus, NZ Rugby will increase funding by at least 30% for each union between now and 2020, at a cost of about $9 million per year.

Some of the investment will be targeted towards encouraging women and teenagers to play the sport.

"This is a significant increase in funding which aims to support the great work of provincial unions in increasing participation by players and across communities, and strengthen the foundations of the game throughout the country," Mr Tew says.

"Importantly, the funding will help put unions on a firmer financial footing to better deal with the challenges and opportunities ahead."

As some of these funds are derived from future income, NZ Rugby predicts a significant loss for 2016, but says projections show it returning to a more favourable financial position in the next five years.

"Over that five-year period, we want to have an overall breakeven result," says chief financial officer Jannine Mountford. "We're pre-spending money to give to our provincial unions."

(BusinessDesk)

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Rugby's financial woes to worsen next year

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New Zealand Rugby has posted a loss of $463,000 and is budgeting for it to worsen this year as it increases funding to financially-challenged provincial rugby. The loss for the year to December 31 comes after a profit of $373,000 a year earlier. Income rose 11% to $133.7 million, while costs increased 12% to $134.3 million.

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Lion's Tour - a money making pursuit since 1988

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Lion's Tour - a money making pursuit since 1988

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Tourism industry - Air BnB 620 Pound a night in Wellington

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Regardless of what is on the menu at London's Hurlingham Club, it will not match the delicious irony served up a week next Wednesday. It is an evening with the "Cambridge University Big Cats" and, if the billing sounds contrived, it is because the British & Irish Lions have instructed them to drop "Lions" from the title.

Quite apart from the fact that Cambridge have provided the Lions with 73 tourists over the years - more than any other club - among the legends due to be present is John Spencer, who happens to be manager of this summer's tour of New Zealand. It would not be surprising to hear of him making a swift exit after dinner.

If it seems like heavy-handed ring-fencing, the Lions would point out that their brand is a shooting star - every four years it burns brightly but not for long - and that they have a duty to their sponsors. They also have charity dinners to sell out themselves and the next is in Edinburgh the day after Cambridge's - a seat is yours for £249 (€293). It raises the question of whether the Lions as a brand has jumped the shark. As a commercial product, has it become a monster?

No tour before 1991 made a profit but since the 2009 trip to South Africa - with HSBC as the marquee sponsor - it has increasingly become a cash cow to be milked. Standard Life Investments has replaced HSBC, whose estimated £7m sponsorship in 2013 contributed to a profit of around £6m. In total there are 11 major backers - Doom Bar was this week announced as the official beer of the Lions - and during the Six Nations the head coach, Warren Gatland, even admitted: "People will be amazed that the stuff that is keeping me busy at the moment is looking after all the sponsors."

The reasons for Gatland's schmoozing duties are clear. The Lions is a subsidiary of the four home unions and sponsorship accounts for considerably more than half of its income. In the past the unions, who split the profits made by the Lions, have lamented a TV deal whereby the host nation keeps all the revenues from the sale of the domestic rights.

The Lions all the while have continued their lucrative contract with Sky Sports in the UK but, with the domestic TV deal playing its part, the Australian Rugby Union banked an estimated £40m from the 2013 tour and was able to wipe off a £12.2m debt.

The New Zealand Rugby Union has not revealed how much it expects to make this summer but in 2005 hosting the Lions reportedly earned the NZRU £12m. The 20,000 travelling fans also led to an estimated £65m windfall in foreign exchange gains and an economic boon of £140m to the country's tourism. Those figures are expected to be even higher this year.

The New Zealand tourist board, meanwhile, is expecting 35,000 visitors from the UK this time while the decision to host two Tests in Auckland was evidently made to boost ticket sales - Eden Park is comfortably the largest stadium in the country and as a result a near identical number of tickets are available as in 2005 despite the Lions playing a match fewer. As one New Zealand journalist put it recently, "The Lions practically defecate money."

The hotel industry in New Zealand is also approaching breaking point. Most rooms are sold out in host cities, while some accommodation is available on Airbnb for as much as £670 a night in Wellington, where hotels are fully booked on the night of the second Test. Indeed, it led one supporter, Adam Gilshnan, to set up the Facebook page, Adopt-a-Lion, urging his compatriots to put up travelling fans for free with the added offers of "rugby bbqs", "banter and beer", "tours of local breweries" and "home-made lager".

Gilshnan's goodwill aside, the economic benefits for the host nation make the tour schedule this year all the more egregious. Why the Lions could not flex that financial clout to strong-arm New Zealand into agreeing to host the tour later in the summer is a mystery. The tour manager in 2013, Andy Irvine, described a situation where the plane left less than two days after the domestic finals as "ridiculous" and yet, as it is part of the current agreement that expires after this tour, nothing has been done about it. If the tour was later the home unions would be due more compensation - they currently receive £70,000 per player for their absence from their summer tours - but Premiership Rugby reportedly dug its heels in, unimpressed by the prospect of the players returning in late July.

The players themselves are at least well paid - they will receive £70,000 should they finish the tour and there is also a hefty win bonus available - but it is ludicrous that, while trying to claim a first series victory in New Zealand since 1971, they should be embarking on a five-week, 10-match series immediately after a long season.

It also short changes the tens of thousands of travelling fans. Being a supporter on the tour does not come cheap. All Blacks Hospitality is selling packages per Test, ranging from £340 to £9,200, while the Lions themselves offer trips for as much as £15,799 for a 39-day stay. Of course there is an element of supply and demand. If supporters are willing to pay through the nose, then the vendors cannot be blamed for charging those prices. And as far as the Lions are concerned, those packages are a significant contributor to their income. Lions tours cost approximately £14m to finance and the £1.5m each home union received in 2013 pales in comparison with what the NZRU will bank.

If that explains the rampant commercialism, it does not necessarily excuse all of it. A quick look at the array of merchandise available in the Lions online shop shows that a tie from Thomas Pink (one of those 11 sponsors) costs £69.99. The Lions jersey is matched perhaps only by New Zealand's in terms of iconic status and there will be seas of red at each of the 10 matches this summer. Those jerseys retail at £70. Closer inspection of the jersey also reveals that the logo now bears the words "since 1888" rather than the location of the tour - a change brought about after a brand review in 2013.

It was in 1888 that the first Lions tour set sail for Australia and New Zealand aboard SS Kaikoura. It took 42 days to get there and the squad were away for more than eight months, playing 35 matches and losing only two. It was also the brainchild of three of the most prestigious cricketers in England and it was unashamedly a money-making pursuit. So much has changed since 1888, yet some things remain exactly the same.
Guardian services

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The Lions tour: A money-making pursuit 'since 1888'

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Regardless of what is on the menu at London's Hurlingham Club, it will not match the delicious irony served up a week next Wednesday. It is an evening with the "Cambridge University Big Cats" and, if the billing sounds contrived, it is because the British & Irish Lions have instructed them to drop "Lions" from the title.

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Here is Maori television's

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MAORI TV LIONS POWHIRI WAITANGI 04 06 17

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Wikipedia!

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2017 british and irish lions tour to new zealand

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2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand | Wikiwand

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The 2017 British and Irish Lions tour to New Zealand is occurring in June and July 2017.

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Summary:
Glen Osbourn Constable (police officer) and former All Blacks legend
Short video clip that is about the song 'Tutira Mai' in English translates to stand together. It is the official theme song for the 2017 British/Irish Lions Tour. The purpose is about encouraging New Zealand citizens to 'stand together with your teams in black #Tutira and #OUTROAR the Lions fans in the crowd'.
In the music clip it displays New Zealand's people ranging from primary aged children, politicians, sporting Icons such as Valerie Adams, military people etc.

Impact on NZ society
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Starship the offical sponsorship.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) today announced Starship Foundation as the Official Charity Partner of the DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017. The charity, which raises vital funds for the national children’s hospital, is aiming to raise $200,000 throughout the Series to support Starship’s Emergency Department, in conjunction with a long-term partner, ASB. They have predicted that over the 6 weeks of being here, there are 350,00 people going to the games, and are getting 1$ off every person.

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Summary: NZRU organisation have created a education programme that will be introduced in more than 2,400 schools around New Zealand between year 1 to year 8. The purpose of this programme is to introduce the lions tour event at a young age in a classroom setting.

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https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/new-zealand-lions-rugby-tour-extra-beer-but-will-there-be-beds
summary:
writter: Eleanor Ainge Roy
New Zealand is braced for the arrival of 20,000 rugby fans next month.

this article is about the "invasion of lions fans coming to New Zealand", and how kiwis are collecting profits offering to host Lions fans for free, many also offering pick-ups from the airport, guided pub tours and home-cooked meals.

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Rugby 2017 Festival Programme Launched

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Rugby 2017 Festival programme launched | Ministry for Culture and Heritage

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Provincial Barbarians Saturday 3 June, Toll Stadium, Whangarei Blues Wednesday 7 June, Eden Park, Auckland Crusaders Saturday 10 June, AMI Stadium, Christchurch Highlanders Tuesday 13 June, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin Māori All Blacks Saturday 17 June, Rotorua National Stadium Chiefs Tuesday 20 June, Waikato Stadium, Hamilton All Blacks Saturday 24 June, Eden Park, Auckland Hurricanes Tuesday 27 June, Westpac Stadium, Wellington All Blacks Saturday 1 July, Westpac Stadium, Wellington All Blacks Saturday 8 July, Eden Park, Auckland

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Confirmation the National Party provided $3M towards the Lion's tour. - Thoughts on this? why? who does it benefit?

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Govt invests $3m in showcase for Lions Series

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Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce and Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman say the Government is investing $3 million via the Major Events Development Fund to showcase Kiw

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link:

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Starship named as Official Charity Partner of the DHL NZ Lions Series | NZ Lions Series 2017

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NZ Cities prepare for the dollars and excitement of Lions tour

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NZ Cities prepare for the dollars and excitement of Lions tour

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http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/money/92886084/NZ-cities-prepare-for-the-dollars-and-excitement-of-another-Lions-Tour

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Listen to Vietch's radio interview to the Ioane brothers mum
http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/veitch-on-sport/audio/sandra-ioane-how-a-lions-fan-ended-up-sleeping-on-reiko-and-akira-ioanes-bedroom-floor/

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http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/lions-tour-2017/2017/06/lions-supporter-s-all-black-dream-comes-true.html

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NZ Rugby 2017 festival to deliver economic benefits

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NZ Rugby 2017 festival to deliver economic benefits

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https://www.ausleisure.com.au/news/new-zealand-rugby-2017-festival-to-deliver-economic-benefits/

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/94058768/30m-lions-share-for-wellingtons-economy-from-rugby-doubleheader

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https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/94162068/lions-tour-wellington-charges-fans-four-times-the-going-rate-to-park-in-city
Wellington lion fans are being forced to pay four times the going rate (about $130) per night to park their camper vans on the Wellington City Council land. Usual cost is $30 for every 24 hours. Out of the $130 cost, $100 will be taken by the council.

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Lions tour set to boost Wellington economy

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Lions tour set to boost Wellington economy

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http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/business/333768/lions-fans-set-to-boost-wellington-economy

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Lions tour bigger deal for hosts rather than visitors

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Lions tour bigger deal for hosts rather than visitors

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http://www.noted.co.nz/life/sport/why-the-lions-tour-is-a-bigger-deal-for-the-hosts-than-visitors/

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Travelling from the top of the north island to the the south island in 2 pimped out camper vans sponsored 

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Travelling from the top of the north island to the the south island in 2 pimped out camper vans sponsored 

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http://www.allblacks.com/Video/Viewer/28095/day-1-vodafone-rugby-road-trip

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The Lion and the Kiwi | Film | NZ On Screen

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The Lion and the Kiwi - This National Film Unit documentary follows the British Lions 1959 rugby tour to New Zealand. Prior to live televised sports coverage, match highlights were rushed onto cinema screens; NFU tour coverage was later edited into this feature length doco.

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Suey - Ruggerland and impact on education sytem

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Suey - Ruggerland and impact on education sytem

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NZRU has developed resources for teachers to use within their classrooms that relate to the New Zealand curriculum but uses The Lions Tour as a context for learning.  This has a significant impact on the lives of young New Zealanders who grow up in the NZ Education system.

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Links between New Zealand and the United Kingdom and Ireland

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Government launches All Black-themed birth certificate

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Government launches All Black-themed birth certificate

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Summary:The department of internal affairs

Impact on NZ society?

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Loved rugby from birth?

Some kids will now be able to prove it with an All Black-themed birth certificate.

The Department of Internal Affairs launched the new design, which joins the existing beach and forest themes.

Deputy Registrar-General Adrian Jarvis was delighted people could mark their special delivery with the All Blacks design.

"We think that these are a great way for All Blacks fans to show their support, whether they are new babies or older fans wanting a new certificate.

"We've been working hard to make sure we could launch the new certificate while one of our great rival teams is touring."

The All Blacks themed certificate. Photo / NZ Government

The forest-themed birth certificate. Photo / NZ Government

A standard birth certificate. Photo / NZ Government

About 180,000 birth certificates are issued every year. Parents can choose whether or not to buy a birth certificate.

A New Zealand birth certificate can be used as official ID for most things. It costs $33 for a standard one or $35 for a decorative one.

All births must be registered in New Zealand, and can now be done through SmartStart.

All Blacks birth certificates can be ordered by calling 0800 22 52 52.

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Government launches All Black-themed birth certificate

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Loved rugby from birth? Some kids will now be able to prove it with an All Black-themed birth certificate. The Department of Internal Affairs launched the new design, which joins the existing beach and forest themes. Deputy Registrar-General Adrian Jarvis was delighted people could mark their special delivery with the All Blacks design.

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https://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/94222617/lions-tour-ben-smith-ruled-out-of-lions-test-series-due-to-concussion-issueshttps://i.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/all-blacks/94222617/lions-tour-ben-smith-ruled-out-of-lions-test-series-due-to-concussion-issues

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Ben Smith has been ruled out of All Blacks test vs Lions.

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Ben Smith's life after the All Blacks has been placed above his potential impact against the British and Irish Lions, ruling him out of the rest of the series.

The influential New Zealand vice captain suffered a head knock 27 minutes into the first Test win in Auckland on Saturday and he didn't return.

While results from concussion protocol testing still aren't in, All Blacks management made the call to rule the 31-year-old out of both remaining Tests.

Coach Steve Hansen noted Smith has been sidelined by concussion twice in this year's Super Rugby campaign with the Highlanders.

"We're just of the opinion that he's had a couple so let's just be a little bit conservative and not play him," Hansen said.

"Long-term concerns have been allayed but we're just going to take our time with him and get him back where we need him to be, so he's comfortable and we're comfortable."

Fellow-veteran outside back Israel Dagg has been shifted to fullback for Saturday's second Test in Wellington.

Also a father of a young family, Dagg could relate to Smith's plight and said the right decision has been made.

"Obviously it's a big series but at the end of the day he's got two little kids, a beautiful wife and you've just got to make those decisions.

"I said to him, we've all only got one brain, so it's pretty simple, we've all got to make good decisions."

Smith is recuperating at home in Dunedin but Dagg said the 62-Test veteran effectively remains part of the team.

He had already sent texts to Dagg and other players with some thoughts about the looming Test.

"The whole team's behind him," Dagg said.

"It's only rugby at the end of the day. We've got a life after footy that we've got to worry about.

"Gone are the days where you thought you were superman and you just get up and run around."

NZN

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Lions tour: All Blacks fullback Ben Smith ruled out of Lions series following concussion in first Test

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Ben Smith's life after the All Blacks has been placed above his potential impact against the British and Irish Lions, ruling him out of the rest of the series. The influential New Zealand vice captain suffered a head knock 27 minutes into the first Test win in Auckland on Saturday and he didn't return.

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Stephen Jones' rugby commentary is often riddled with controversy, and his recent interview with Newstalk ZB is no exception, as he predicted an end to the Lions tours of New Zealand.

The tour brings a bout of life, revenue and healthy competition to New Zealand every twelve years, but if Jones' comments hold any weight, the Lions won't be back in 12 years' time.

"It's the player welfare that's nonsense," Jones told Newstalk ZB.

He slammed organisers for forcing the Lions to play a game within 72 hours of arriving and said they are smashed to bits by rugby as they weren't given any type of preparation.

"The Lions are magnificent, there's probably, what, 25,000 Lions fans down here? But there won't be another Lions tour unless New Zealand and the home authorities give them a chance to prepare properly," Jones said.

The Lions have had an unfavourable string of losses during the tour but Jones remained somewhat optimistic and said "they've been beaten by New Zealand on the field as yet - but let's be fair there's still two tests to go".

Wellington will host the second Test match of the three match series this Saturday at Westpac Stadium.

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Controversial Stephen Jones says unless Lions get chance to prepare, 2017 could be their final NZ tour

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Stephen Jones' rugby commentary is often riddled with controversy, and his recent interview with Newstalk ZB is no exception, as he predicted an end to the Lions tours of New Zealand. The tour brings a bout of life, revenue and healthy competition to New Zealand every twelve years, but if Jones' comments hold any weight, the Lions won't be back in 12 years' time.

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Reason (2017) has claimed...

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ANDREW CORNAGA/PHOTOSPORT

OPINION: They will doubtless build a statue to Sonny Bill Williams in Mount Albert. That's what happens to All Blacks who get the red card. That's what happened to Colin Meads, the last New Zealander to be sent from the field in an international game of rugby. These men join the immortals.

Can it really be 50 years, half a century, since an All Black got a red card, not that they had red cards back in 1967? They hadn't even put a man on the moon then. Frank Sinatra and his daughter Nancy were crooning somethin' stupid.

Half of New Zealand, the SBW haters, will also now be chanting 'somethin stupid'. But the Lions will just be thankful. This moment of madness has rescued their tour. It may even have preserved the future of Lions tours in New Zealand. Who would have thought that SBW would be the man who saved Lions rugby.

And it all came about so innocuously. Williams was annoyed. He had put a particularly feeble kick through and he wanted to atone for his mistake. That's what All Blacks do. But sadly his reaction was utterly reckless.
READ MORE:
* All Blacks v Lions - second test
* Lions edge out weakened All Blacks
* Key moments: ABs v Lions
* SBW joins the hall of shame
* Sonny Bill Williams red-carded for shoulder charge
* Lions great Sir Ian McGeechan collapses
* Ben Smith praised for pulling out of Lions series
As Anthony Watson ran the ball back, SBW led with his shoulder into the tackle. There were no arms and there was no concern for the opponent's safety. He caught Watson flush on the jaw and the winger went down. It was the tackle of a man who still hasn't got the violent stupidity of rugby league out of his system.

Mercifully rugby union has become more aware. The Lions players immediately appealed. Referee Jerome Garces received advice from the sideline and referred the matter upstairs. When Garces saw the images on the big screen he immediately contemplated the red card. He said, "There is a clear shoulder charge to the head. I think it's a red."

It is an horrendous decision for a referee to have to take in a game of this magnitude and Garces was clearly looking for the backing of his TMO. But George Ayoub is an Aussie. He is used to State of Origin and head hunting and all that sort of thing. He didn't advise Garces, he hung him out to dry and told him to have another look at the big screen.

So the Frenchman took another look. The images confirmed his original judgement. Garces said, "It's direct contact to the head. I need to protect the player."

You just hope that World Rugby will now back their official. The mind went back to the 2011 World Cup when Sam Warburton, the Lions captain on this tour, was sent from the same field for a tip tackle. Alain Rolland made the correct decision then to give Warburton the red card. And Rolland, who was the best ref in the world at the time, was shamefully not given the World Cup final.

I imagine Warburton had a rueful smile at Saturday's red card. He would not have wanted SBW to go. He is too decent a man for that. Warburton accepted his punishment with great dignity back in 2011. His only distaste was for the playacting of the French.

The unfortunate aspect of the red card to SBW is that it has the potential to create something of a chasm in rugby. The northern hemisphere will point to the brutality that still sometimes exists in the All Blacks game. They will reflect on what happened in Dublin last year when a number of Irishman were hit high in an appallingly violent game.

HANNAH PETERS/GETTY IMAGES

The Lions will also point to a couple of moments in the first test, both from Jerome Kaino. At the opening lineout he played Peter O'Mahony in the air. It was very dangerous and could have had the same awful outcome as the Lions captain suffered 12 years earlier. Kaino also later in the half dived at the legs of Conor Murray, with no intention of going at the ball.

For New Zealand the game is altogether different. Rugby is like an extra child for so many. It defines their sense of worth They will defend SBW. They will talk of whinging Poms and French saboteurs. They will say that rugby is not tiddlywinks.

You just hope that the fans of both teams can now keep their discipline rather better than SBW.

* Comments have been closed on this article

- Stuff

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Mark Reason: A red day for Sonny Bill Williams and New Zealand

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ANDREW CORNAGA/PHOTOSPORT OPINION: They will doubtless build a statue to Sonny Bill Williams in Mount Albert. That's what happens to All Blacks who get the red card. That's what happened to Colin Meads, the last New Zealander to be sent from the field in an international game of rugby.

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This is a good article that looks at the assumptions that "Rugby is loved by all New Zealanders"

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Rugby may be New Zealand's national sport, but not everyone loves it, academics say.

The All Blacks' dominance of the sport should not be interpreted as representing universal support for the game in New Zealand, says University of Auckland professor Toni Bruce.

Bruce will be one of several speakers at The World in Union Conference 2017, at the end of the month.

As the British and Irish Lions tour New Zealand this month, academics have delved into the history of the game.
READ MORE:
* Lions tour: Owen Farrell kicks tourists to win over Crusaders
* No money from New Zealand Rugby for Sir Colin Meads statue in Te Kuiti
While rugby is often alluded to as the national game, Bruce argues that the reality is much more complex.

Bruce said many New Zealanders felt "at best" ambivalent about its position in society.

She will discuss New Zealanders' contrasting responses to the 2007, 2011 and 2015 Rugby World Cups and ways in which both fans and non-followers of rugby have experienced these events.

The World in Union Conference will "kick off" at the New Zealand Rugby Museum in Palmerston North on June 28, with two days of presentations and discussions at Massey University's Sport and Rugby Institute on June 29 and 30.

An international array of academics, practitioners and educators will make presentations on subjects including nationalism, culture, history, sport development, strength and conditioning, coaching, performance enhancement and sponsorship.

Massey University history senior lecturer Dr Geoff Watson said a variety of issues had caused some public waning in support.

"The rise of soccer as an alternative option and critiques of violence and male chauvinism undermined public support for the game."

Watson has spent 17 years researching sports history in New Zealand, including the All Black dominance of the 1950s and 1960s, defeat to the 1971 Lions and victory against the 1977 Lions.

"The fluctuating performances of the national team mirrored wider concerns about the state of the game.

"These tensions took an unprecedented physical form in New Zealand during the 1981 South African tour, during which more than 150,000 New Zealanders engaged in protest action, resulting in some violent clashes between demonstrators, police and pro-tour supporters."

Lincoln University professor Greg Ryan said the 1950 Lions tour happened at a time when New Zealanders were insecure about the state of their national game, having lost six test matches in 1949.

This sense of insecurity was compounded by global events, with New Zealand having to adapt to Britain gradually losing its previous position of global dominance as its former colonies became independent, Ryan said.

Conference director and sport management lecturer Dr Rachel Batty said the historical perspectives would add value to the conference.

"They highlight how the game has changed over time and rugby's continuing relationship with society.

"Such historical perspectives complement the presentations of the practitioners and other rugby experts who will discuss the present state of the game."

Former All Black Eroni Clarke will be presenting at the conference. He played two tests against the Lions in 1993.

Clarke will be co-ordinating a session on cultural competence in rugby, with Jeremy Hapeta from Massey's School of Sport and Exercise.

- Stuff

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Rugby not all New Zealanders' national sport

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Rugby may be New Zealand's national sport, but not everyone loves it, academics say. The All Blacks' dominance of the sport should not be interpreted as representing universal support for the game in New Zealand, says University of Auckland professor Toni Bruce.