By Dan Parker
Nelson is a city famous for its sunshine and news, it will host three teams during the Rugby World Cup was warmly received -especially by the Italian community whose team will stay for three weeks.
“Oh, we'll make them feel at home and all the community groups here from the Italians to the local community in Nelson - from the council, business,” says Nelson Councillor Also Miccio. “I'm sure the community will get right behind supporting Italy and also supporting the USA and the other team that comes here.”
Mr Miccio unofficially approached the Italians in 2007, and the city banked on have some involvement by upgrading its facilities.
But mayor Kerry Marshall says the addition of two other teams visiting, as well as two pool matches, is a coup.
“We have always been a little bit of a secret and we are going to have great television exposure,” explains Mr Marshall. “We'll have many visitors coming through here. The people who support the teams will of course travel around and because we have got these games… I think actually think there will be a boost almost immediately, but also long-term.”
Nelson proudly celebrates its claim to hosting the first game of rugby ever played in New Zealand, and that piece of history will form the basis of a campaign to promote local business.
The council is now working on a logo which plays on Nelson's status as the birthplace of New Zealand rugby. It will be given free to local business and community groups so they can have an association with the event.
But that is just one idea the council has planned.
“Hopefully we'll rename all the streets in Nelson after Italian cities,” says Mr Miccio. “Trafalgar Street may well be renamed via Roma.”
With so much support in place, now all the team has to worry about is winning matches.
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