New Plymouth Embracing RWC 2011 Fever

More than 200 New Plymouth retailers have signed up to take part in a best-dressed shop competition to welcome the visiting nations to New Plymouth for Rugby World Cup 2011.

New Plymouth District Council has divided Devon Street into five areas, with each representing one of the teams that will play at Stadium Taranaki: From Queen to Brougham streets is Ireland, Brougham to Currie streets is Namibia, Currie to Liardet streets is USA, Liardet to Gover streets is Wales, and Gover to Eliot streets is Russia.

The participating retailers will receive from NPDC this week a starter pack to help them theme their windows, with items including an RWC 2011 Host City sticker, country specific bunting, country flag, streamers and balloons.

“We’re encouraging retailers to add their creativity to this starter pack and turn their stores into a celebration of their adopted team,” says Manager Rugby World Cup Jenny Mills.

“It’s also a competition for the stores, with the stand-out design winning the owner a $500 advertising package. Five runners-up will also receive a workplace shout for up to 10 people.”

Judging will take place Thursday 8 September by Mayor Harry Duynhoven, Art in Public Places Chair Terry Parks and Manager Puke Ariki Fi Emberton, with the winner announced the next day.