WANTED: Irish, Samoan, Russian, Namibian and Fijian cultures to entertain during Rugby World Cup

Locals with Russian, Samoan, Irish, Fijian and Namibian links are being sought to help entertain, wow and amaze visitors during Rotorua’s Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC2011) celebrations.

The city is hosting Rugby World Cup teams from Namibia, Samoa, Ireland, Fiji and Russia during the event, and Rotorua District Council (RDC) is on the look-out for volunteers to share their cultures with locals and visitors through dance, food, games and performance.

RDC Rugby World Cup 2011 coordinator Renee Nathan says presenting a vibrant and multi-cultural atmosphere is important for ensuring that the Rotorua experience is highly memorable and is as good or better than anywhere else in the country.

“We want our city streets to be buzzing so our overseas guests feel really welcome, and we want to give locals and fellow Kiwis something to enjoy with lasting memories for everyone involved.

“We’d love to include Namibian, Samoan, Irish, Fijian and Russian performances, dance groups, traditional cultural items, crafts, games, customs and food in our rugby world cup activities seeing we’ll have teams from those nations with us.

“This is an awesome opportunity for Rotorua migrants to show-off their culture to the rest of the community, and at the same time to play an important role in the city’s successful hosting of a world sporting event.”

Any groups or individuals interested in sharing elements of these cultures during RWC2011 festivities can contact Renee Nathan on 07 351 8338