Hamilton central city businesses go all black for the All Blacks

Dressing up their shop in 'all black' has seen Hamilton's Lone Star win a signed All Blacks jersey and an encounter with a New Zealand rugby legend in the build-up to tomorrow's big test match between the All Blacks and Springboks.

Lone Star was one of many central city businesses who took up the challenge of 'blacking out' their premises as part of a competition run by Hamilton City Council and supported by the MasterCard All Blacks Roadshow – beating out the competition with its extensive decorations, and creative staff uniforms.

Hamilton Central Business Association chair Peter Gates, who judged the competition, says it is critical for the central city to embrace major events when they are on in Hamilton. Mr Gates says it is an extremely positive sign to see the level of energy and support from business owners for this huge rugby event.

"The creative effort shown by businesses in theming their premises is another way to show that the central city is an exciting place to be.

"Businesses such as Burger Fuel, who completely blacked their interior, were outstanding. Others such as Bernina Sewing Centre, with their historical rugby memorabilia, also made an impact. Trek 'n Travel and Davy Engravers were also impressive with their full window displays. In an extreme show of patriotism, David's Emporium constructed a display lambasting the South African visitors and trumpeting the All Blacks as the victors."

Mr Gates said Lone Star was selected as the overall winner as it "fully embraced the spirit of the rugby weekend with extensive decorations, both inside and out, and staff in full costume". He said they also had the added benefit of having many of the All Blacks dine at their restaurant during the week while staying in the central city.

The signed and framed All Blacks jersey will be presented to the Lone Star team at their Victoria Street premises at 9.30am tomorrow [12 September] by former All Black and MasterCard ambassador Buck Shelford. The restaurant will be serving breakfast from 9am and following the presentation, Mr Shelford will remain on site until 10.30am to sign autographs.

The MasterCard All Black Roadshow will be at Fraser Tech Park, corner of Mill and Seddon Streets tomorrow from 11am-3pm. For more information visit www.mastercard.co.nz/roadshow