Taupō turns on the charm for RWC 2011 Roadshow

Despite a frost and a low of minus 3, hundreds of locals crowded the Tongariro North Domain this morning to witness the excitement of the Rugby World Cup 2011 Roadshow.

The RWC 2011 Roadshow came to Taupō this morning (Monday 18 July), attracting a huge crowd of Rugby fans who got into the excitement of the Tournament and REAL New Zealand Festival. Adults and school kids dressed up in the colours of Taupō’s three host teams Wales, Ireland, South Africa. They sported face paint, wild hats and costumes, with two lucky people winning tickets to the Wales versus Samoa match in Hamilton.

Almost one thousand people entered the roadshow’s specially-designed promotional truck, viewing exciting videos and having their photo taken with the Webb Ellis Cup. The roadshow also promoted the REAL New Zealand Festival, which includes local events The Sika Show and the NZ Clean Energy Expo.

TVNZ’s Breakfast host, Tamati Coffey, who was broadcasting live from the event, paid special tribute to Wales as part of the Breakfast show’s regular RWC 2011 country showcase. Tamati was treated to a special breakfast of fresh smoked trout and herb piklets cooked by NZ Masterchef finalist, and Town Centre Taupō GM, Traceylee Hooton. The trout was caught only the day before by trout fishing expert ‘Fishy Steve’.

Taupō 2011 Ambassador, and former All Black, Sir Colin ‘Pinetree’ Meads was at the roadshow and had his photo taken with almost as many people as the famous trophy. Rugby NZ 2011 CEO, Martin Snedden, was also at the event and is on the road for the next week touring the rest of the North Island.

Mr Snedden says the live roadshow atmosphere is uplifting. “In the lead up to the Tournament it’s great to meet so many New Zealanders who are getting behind RWC 2011. There’s a real buzz in the air, and communities, like Taupo, across the country are excited about this huge event in our history.”

The roadshow now heads to Napier.