Flagging Interest

I like Rugby, I support the All Blacks and love watching them play, have done all my life. I am excited by Auckland hosting the World Cup but there are a number of things that are pissing me off already and the thing hasn’t even started.

I am annoyed that as a Country we will not make any money out of hosting, where is our entrepreneurial spirit and what does that say about our economy?

I am equally annoyed by government and local body bean counters that are quick to tell us all the financial benefits but fail to “factor” in the economic cost of the disruption.  How much will today (9th September) cost New Zealanders in terms of lost productivity. More than the $40 000 000 shortfall we have already racked up? I am annoyed by the road closures and the fact that the city will be locked down from 2.00 if you are to believe the media.

I am irked by the un imaginative promotions, the cheap Chinese made flags stuck in cheap Japanese imported cars that will contribute to our landfill problem even more: so much for being clean and green, yet another piece of hypocrisy.

I am holding my breath waiting for the inevitable complaints from complainers about trains, the price of pies, the wait at the loos, their poor view and the queue.

I think the fireworks are stupid, Christmas in the Park in September, Big Deal, time to dust off the chilly bin.

If you don’t want to wait 30 minutes for something that you don’t really need its really easy: DON’T BUY IT.

I am worried about the lack of any real service industry in New Zealand and amazed by dumb hoteliers back tracking and reducing prices to try and fill their vacant overpriced rooms.

I also have no sympathy for those people who will lose money due to a lack of the anticipated surge in business.

I hate the fact that at the mere sniff of an opportunity for people to dress casually that they embrace it. I am choking at the thought of all that Polar Fleece (I am allergic to polar fleece).

I hate the logo, Can’t see that being put on a tee shirt in 20 years’ time.

I also hate the Dick Frizzell “art”: It has single handedly put back art appreciation in this country by at least 15 years all on its own.

Most of all I hate the assumption that everyone is excited about the Rugby World Cup and that we seem to have had it rammed down our throat with very little alternative or choice.

I do however like Rugby and are excited about seeing the All Blacks play and win.