Get a Taste of what RWC 2011 will Bring to Taranaki

The Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) Roadshow will arrive in New Plymouth this Sunday (17 July) at Puke Ariki Landing from 10.00am to 1.00pm.

The Roadshow consists of a custom-designed truck which opens into a 72m2 events-style venue, and offers the chance to have a photo with the Webb Ellis Cup, see interactive displays on Rugby World Cup history and legends and to buy tickets.

“We will also be showcasing our Taranaki REAL New Zealand Festival experiences which will give people an idea of the events that will be happening in our region around Tournament time,” says NPDC Manager RWC 2011 Jenny Mills.

It will be the first time Taranaki’s REAL New Zealand Festival experiences will be showcased to the community with information on events such as the Taranaki International Village, Spring Race Day at Pukekura Raceway, and the Puke Ariki Rugby exhibition “It’s Not Just A Game: Whanau, Whakapapa, Whutupaoro”.

Details about New Plymouth’s official Fanzone will also be on display.

As well as food stalls and coffee, there will be a prize of RWC 2011 match tickets for the best dressed fan, and the opportunity to win an official RWC 2011 team jersey.

“It would be fantastic to have kids and parents at the Roadshow dressed in support of one of our visiting teams – Ireland, USA, Russia, Wales and Namibia – to be in to win prizes,” says Ms Mills.

“The Roadshow in other regions has proved very popular with large crowds in attendance, so it would be great if we could also have a big turnout to show our community’s pride and support in what our region will be showcasing during RWC 2011.”

The truck has been painted in the Tournament’s distinctive mangopare and koru designs which symbolise the world coming together in union for Rugby’s showpiece Tournament.

The RWC 2011 Roadshow started touring New Zealand on 4 July in Bluff and Stewart Island and will end on Sunday 31 July in Auckland. For more information, please visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/roadshow.