Christchurch a doubtful starter in sevens race

Christchurch is unlikely to bid for the Wellington sevens rugby tournament.

The New Zealand Rugby Union says it will accept tenders from other cities when Wellington's contract expires after next year's two-day party event.

Dunedin and Auckland have expressed interest, but Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker all but ruled out a bid yesterday, saying the city's events calendar was "already really solid".

He did not want to get into a bidding war with other councils.

Council events staff were "keeping an eye on developments" and would approach the council if they saw an opportunity, but he believed Auckland, which will become a super-city in November, would make a strong bid. "The chances of it leaving Wellington are remote, but I suspect the super-city will have a huge shot at taking it away from them."

Parker said Auckland would be looking to "vacuum up" key events. "That's why we grabbed key events for Christchurch before that could happen here."

There had been no strong push by city councillors to launch a bid, Parker said. Wellington would "fight tooth and nail" to keep the event, he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News