Rugby Festival Kicks Off In Carterton

Tuesday, 6 September 2011, 1:57 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Inc

MEDIA RELEASE – 6 September 2011

Rugby Festival Kicks Off In Carterton

Carterton is set to play host for the Rugby Haka and Hangi Festival when it is mounted in the region by Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi on Saturday 10 September The event is part of the Wairarapa Spring and Rugby Festival.

“We’re thrilled to host this event in Carterton during the Rugby World Cup tournament”, said Nelson Rangi, Chairman of Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi liaison for the festival.

“We’re grateful to the Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union for agreeing to include our festival as part of the Heartland Cup game against Poverty Bay at Carterton Rugby Club ”, said Nelson. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for overseas visitors to sample the atmosphere, food and passion of a country rugby gathering.”

Since 1900 Carterton Rugby Club has produced some of New Zealand’s outstanding rugby players including four All Blacks, two Junior All Blacks and a National Secondary Schools representative.

Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union are hosting the event with Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi and have called on locals and visitors from around the world to take part in an unforgettable experience both on and off the pitch in a festival of friendship.

There’s a Rippa rugby game with players representing Georgia, New Zealand, Wales and South Africa and an over 35’s game between Masterton All Stars and Carterton Over 35s. These teams include local, representative and overseas players. The curtain raiser between Wairarapa Bush Colts and Poverty Bay Colts starts at 1pm and the main game between Wairarapa Bush and Poverty Bay will kick off at 2.30pm.

Entertainment includes 100 plus strong haka by combined Wairarapa secondary schools students, 50 voice karaoke choir, Burlington Guards National Marching Champions and the New Zealand aerobatics champion Andrew Stiver.

Festival goers showing ‘team spirit’ can win prize draws during the day by wearing a rugby jersey, socks, headgear or face paint.

Food stalls will provide a variety of country fare including a traditional hangi.

The public are invited to join players for a social gathering and welcome at 6pm Friday 9th September at the Copthorne Hotel prior to viewing the Opening Ceremonies of the Rugby World Cup and New Zealand versus Tonga game.

Main Points

• Free entry, Free off-street parking, Free kiddies rides

• 10am to 4pm, Saturday 10 September, Carterton Rugby Club, Belvedere Road, Carterton

• Rugby games for all ages.

www.rugbyhaka.co.nz

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