Christchurch is "utterly" committed to holding its Rugby World Cup matches, despite the damage wreaked on the city by last week's earthquake, Mayor Bob Parker says.
Questions have been raised about whether the city will be able to host the event, given predictions that it may take months to get essential services up and running following last week's 6.3-magnitude quake.
Christchurch is scheduled to host five pool games and two quarterfinals in the Cup, which begins on September 9.
When asked at a press conference how confident he was Christchurch would still be able to host those games, in the wake of the devastation caused by the 6.3 magnitude quake on February 22, Mr Parker replied: "Utterly, absolutely, totally committed to that".
He said he had conveyed that to Prime Minister John Key, who had given his support, and to all the relevant ministers.
"I have conveyed to them that the citizens of this city will be far from pleased if they miss out on an event that has taken on a different meaning to the people of Christchurch and the people of Canterbury.
"We have to be pragmatic and realistic and accommodation is one of the issues that is concerning us. AMI Stadium is going to be fine for the Rugby World Cup and we are determined to make it happen here in Christchurch."
Mr Key said yesterday there was still a chance Christchurch would host its games.
"My strong preference is to hold the Cup in Christchurch if we can, because I think it sends a very strong international message that Christchurch is going through a rebuilding phase, and equally, if we don't, sadly the message is it's not."
