Skycity Hosts All Blacks Action In Build Up To DHL New Zealand Lions Series
Abseiling down the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest structure, leaping off it and climbing to the top of Sky Tower, were
all part of an All Blacks team building afternoon, held at SKYCITY yesterday, Thursday 16 June 2005.
With the first Lions versus All Blacks match looming, the entire All Blacks squad took time out of their hectic training
schedule to spend the afternoon motivating their sponsors and management who embarked on a range of physical challenges
that put them all to the test.
All Blacks Manager Darren Shand was among four people who abseiled successfully down Sky Tower with assistance from
Graham Henry, who was standing high up in the open air inside the mobile window cleaning unit, attached to the side of
Sky Tower.
Sponsors and members of the All Blacks management team were challenged to their choice of abseiling down Sky Tower,
jumping off Sky Tower, climbing up the internal mast ladder to the open air viewing deck 300 metres above sea level and
44 metres above the highest public viewing deck (All Blacks Doug Howlett, Keven Mealamu and Richie McCaw did participate
in the Vertigo Climb) or running up the 1029 stairs inside Sky Tower to reach the main observation deck.
Shand says New Zealand’s national rugby team has a big challenge ahead of it and that yesterday’s activities were an
appropriate way for the All Blacks squad to spend time with their sponsors.
“The adventure offerings scheduled at Sky Tower yesterday were a big challenge just as the DHL New Zealand Lions Series
is a massive challenge for our team,” he says.
Following the day’s physical adventure activities, select members were also offered a complimentary luxury spa treatment
from the new East Day Spa, located within the new five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel.
As in the past, for major rugby test matches, Sky Tower will show its support for the national team by blacking out the
tower for every All Blacks versus Lions test match. SKYCITY’S bars and restaurants will also feature every game on the
giant screens on site with special “Blackout” parties and promotional offers for fans.
ENDS