Although I know nothing about cricket, the opportunity of being part of a world cup that was jointly hosted by New Zealand and Australia was too good to be missed. As this is a large scale event, volunteers are needed in a number of areas from drivers, catering, accreditation to spectator and fan services. Applicants get to indicate their three preferred areas of interest and go through an interview session. We both got our first choice spectator and fan services and were offered a second role as city host. Overall it was a pleasant volunteer experience as the entire process was very organised with clear communication, training and meals provided and volunteers are well looked after with assigned team leaders.


After roles were confirmed in October 2014, we were asked to collect our uniform pack (consists of two polo shirts, jacket, drink bottle, backpack, a big hat and badges) and accreditation pass that gives us access into the stadium on the actual match days.


We got to do one city host shift together and one by ourselves (with another buddy). This was quite boring we just walked aimlessly around the CBD area the whole day and provide information to people who ask about the event.


First time in Westpac Stadium also known as the cake tin


Our first live cricket game was England vs Sri Lanka



We were assigned to a particular gate number which happened to be the Sri Lanka supporter zone. Our duties include checking tickets at the gate, welcoming spectators to the game and directing them to their allocated seats. A man complained to me that he bought a few big bottles of water which got confiscated by security and he wasn't happy about it because he didn't know that water bottles more than a litre are not allowed into the stadium.



During the match, we would ask spectators who are standing or blocking the aisle to return to their seats. It grew chaotic just before the start of the second half as people start swapping seats so that they can be with their friends and we had to firmly ask them to return to their allocated gate and seat. Some of them would try and sneak back in by saying they lost their ticket. It was a relief when security staff took over as the situation was getting out of hand.


Spotted a colleague in the stand


Playing with abandoned thunder sticks


Taking a break outside the stadium facing the harbour in the coolest little cruise capital


Waiting to start another day as city hosts - inside Wellington library


We were asked to put up banners around the civic centre using cable ties


Free Black Caps flags courtesy of Caltex so we put them on the way to the quarter final haha


Our last shift felt easier than the previous match as we did not have to check tickets and there was more support from the security staff. This was the match where we learned of Martin Guptill, New Zealand's batsman who smacked several balls outside the field and scored many points for the Black Caps.


Found our flatmates and their family in the crowd


During our briefing we were told fireworks would go off at the end of the match if New Zealand wins West Indies. True enough.


Group photo with Wellington spectator and fan services volunteers


Where are we? Hint: Hiding in the back.


What about this one? Hint: I am in the first row holding a hat.