When the Party’s Over.  
Opening the Red Gates design proposal.

Responding to the sexual, physical and emotional effects, on women and children, of a huge party like the Rugby World Cup, is the focus of the Homeworks Trust proposal for the Opening the Red Gates design competition for the Queens Wharf.

Homeworks Trust’s proposal highlights effects such as the increased rape and sexual assault that occurs at times of major sports fixtures, increased domestic violence and child abuse, the number of people who will have unintended pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections and the high numbers of people who will binge drink.

Debbie Hager – Chair of Homeworks Trust, says that the entry was inspired by a discussion about the purchase of the wharf for the World Cup.  During this, Paulette Benton-Greig, Agency Development Manager, Auckland Sexual Abuse HELP Foundation,  said that “when we hear Rugby World Cup, we just think about rape – because rape and sexual assault rates always increase during major sports games”. 

“We know that the Rugby World Cup will be a nation wide party – and that millions of people are looking forward to it.  However, we also need to be aware of the unintended consequences, especially for women and children, and be planning for these now” says Debbie.

This message is reinforced by Dr Kim McGregor ,Director of Rape Prevention Education, who says that “There is an urgent need for Auckland City Councillors to plan for the provision of care for the many extra rape survivors that will be the inevitable outcome of the Rugby World Cup.”

“So many of us Kiwis will be right behind our All Blacks throughout the Rugby World Cup.” says Louise Nicholas, Survivor Advocate for Rape Prevention Education.   “Sadly there are likely to be many more rape survivors during this wonderful event.  Let’s ensure we are there to support them as well.”

The Proposal

When the Party’s Over

A proposal from Homeworks Trust - Specialised Refuges and Housing for Women


This proposal highlights the damage caused – especially to women and children - of a major sports tournament such as the Rugby World Cup.


‘When the Party’s Over’ brings together the services required to respond to the after effects of large groups of men and women congregating in one place, drinking and socialising together.  We have incorporated services that can respond to:

•    The high number of rapes and sexual assault that occur when large groups of men gather together
•    The number of domestic disputes that will result in physical and sexual violence – domestic violence nearly always increases during major sports games
•    The children who will be abused during these episodes of domestic violence
•    The children who will be neglected or abused during this period as parents focus their energy on partying
•    The sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies that will occur as a result of unplanned and unprotected sex
•    The binge drinking and general heavy drinking that will happen
•    The fights between men, causing injuries
•    The attacks on lesbian, gays, and transgender people as a result of gangs of men roaming the city
•    The attacks on ethnic minorities that occur in these situations.
Our design utilises the existing buildings to house services for women and children and adds extra buildings for the services that are for men and women – in order to provide safe spaces for those who have been abused and require forensic and refuge/support services.  We have also designed open spaces for reflection and enjoyment of the views and peace offered by the waterside environment.

The proposed buildings are:

The Louise Nicholas Pavilion.  This will house forensic and counselling services for women who are raped or sexually assaulted, women’s refuge, pregnancy testing, abortion counselling, provision of the morning after pill and a women’s space.

The James Whakaruru Pavilion.  This will house Child Youth and Family services, child abuse counselling services, a play space for children.  Other services are being negotiated.

RAM: Rugby Anger Management Pavilion.  This will house the village management and also Stopping Violence and Anger Management programmes for men.

Police Station.  This will be staffed by police with specialised knowledge of child abuse and neglect, rape and sexual abuse, domestic violence, crimes against ethnic minorities, crimes against lesbian, gay and transgender people and general assault. There will also be cells floating just off the wharf.

Sexual health clinic.  This will house sexual health testing and treatment services for men and women.

Drug and alcohol services and detoxification clinic.  This will house services for men and women.

Accident and Emergency.  This will have general A&E services available and will also have beds for medical emergencies caused by binge drinking.  Other emergencies will be admitted to Auckland Hospital.