09 Mar 2010 9:06 a.m.
Auckland's Rugby World Cup spokesman Michael Barnett says big changes are underway around the city 18 months out from the start of the tournament.
Significant upgrades to Eden Park and the transport network around the ground are ahead of schedule, with good gains being made on updating the various training venues that will be used by teams.
Work has begun on tourist attractions like a new Marine Events Centre and the major redevelopment to Aotea Square is on track to be completed later this year.