Major Events Management Act

Respecting commercial rights surrounding RWC 2011

Major international events such as Rugby World Cup attract huge global audiences. Association with such major events offers many benefits, which is why so many organisations look to be sponsors or official licence holders. Many countries hosting such events have developed event-specific regulation to ensure that event organisers, sponsors and other official partners such as licensees are not undermined by unauthorised commercial exploitation. In New Zealand, the relevant legislation is the Major Events Management Act 2007 (the Act), designed to prohibit representations that suggest persons, brands, goods or services have an association with a major event when they do not. RWC 2011 has been declared a ‘major event’ under the Act, prohibiting ambush marketing, ticket scalping and unauthorised associations, and protecting words and emblems connected to the Tournament.

You can find a link to the full text of the Act  HERE .

If you would like to download a simplified version of the act (in plain English) you can find it HERE.  (Note: 3.5Mb)

In summary, the act has significant powers and many associations with the RWC 2011 Tournament are not permitted. Before embarking on any activity that may associate with RWC 2011 in any way READ the information first. That way you can avoid any breach of the act.