NZ outsource RWC ceremonies

Wellington - Organisers of this year's Rugby World Cup in New Zealand have been criticised forgiving an Australian company the contract to stage the tournament's opening and closing ceremonies.

The World Cup has been billed as a potential revenue earner for New Zealand businesses and a boost to its struggling economy. But Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited has confirmed the opening and closing ceremonies will be staged by Australia's David Atkins Enterprises.

New Zealand lawmakers were immediately critical of the decision to award the contract to Atkins, who produced the opening, closing and victory ceremonies for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well as the Sydney 2000 Olympics.