UPDATE: Palmerston North Mayor Heather Tanguay to play Swingball this afternoon in the Square
www.zmonline.com
Media release - 9 February 2005
DJ Iain Stables says “balls” to Dick Hubbard At ZM we're an entertainment station and we don't usually get into
politics, but the time has come to play ball......
First the V8's
Then Western Springs
then Holmes' Pohutukawa tree
and now the last straw .... the Swingball Set
Swingball is a kiwi icon. Every New Zealander grew up with Swingball. ZM’s Iain Stables decided the iconic Swingball Set
was a fitting symbol to replace the tree on One Tree Hill, and took it upon himself to plant the pole with 90kgs of
concrete so that it might have a chance against the ruthless Auckland City Council.
Stables explains, “For a sacred cultural site such as One Tree Hill, there is no better monument that symbolises
solidarity and unity in New Zealand. I had hoped it would endure and be enjoyed by New Zealanders for generations to
come.”
Sadly, in a show of reckless disregard, the Auckland City Council snapped the pole off this morning at 8:15am, right in
the middle of a game. With the 90kg of concrete holding the base upright, it is likely the council will require a
digger.
In protest people all over New Zealand will pick up their bats at 4:00pm today and head for the Swingball Set.
ZM is hosting Swingball tournaments throughout the country in the following locations.
One Tree Hill in Auckland Frank Kitts Park in Wellington Scarborough Domain in Christchurch by the Sumner Clocktower The
Square in Palmerston North Invercargill Bluff Hill
We want to show the council how to have fun … Let’s play ball ! ends.
Mayors who are stepping up to the pole:
Palmerston North Mayor Heather Tanguay to play Swingball this afternoon in the Square -
Kerry Prendergast will be at in Frank Kitts Park
Tim Shadbolt has confirmed he is up for a game on Bluff Hill.
ENDS