16 May 2017
Media: Rotorua Daily Post
Topic: Schools involved in the Lions tour
Inquiry
I am doing a story for tomorrow's paper on how Rotorua schools are preparing for the Lions tour.
- Are the RLC organising any related activity for local schools either in the lead up / during the weekend of the the match between the Maori All Blacks and the Lions? What are these?
- Does the RLC encourage local schools to get behind the Lions Tour? If so, why?
Response
Response from Major Events Coordinator, Martin Croft -
The DHL NZ Lions Tour 2017 will be a great opportunity for young people in Rotorua to experience the history, and the international connections and the excitement of hosting The British & Irish Lions and their fans who travel across the globe to watch the tour.
New Zealand Rugby have released a teaching resource that was sent to 2400 schools across the country focussing on students in years 1 to 8. The resources include workbooks, activity sheets and a rugby ball to get the children outside and active.
In Rotorua, the NZ Māori Rugby history exhibition Tīma Tāngata will be open at the Energy Events Centre for 10 days from 14 June and we encourage all schools to make the trip to learn about the history of the Māori All Blacks. The exhibition has only been shown once before in Auckland during the Rugby World Cup in 2011.
The annual Bay of Plenty wide Rippa Rugby tournament hosted by Bay of Plenty Rugby and Sport Bay of Plenty will be shifted to take place at Ray Board Park on 16 June. About 24 schools from across the Bay of Plenty will take part so rugby fans, both local and from abroad will get a chance to see the up and coming future players of New Zealand rugby.
One of the most exciting parts of the DHL NZ Lions Tour will be the World Record attempt for the largest Haka which will take place at midday on 17 June at the Village Green. In the lead up to the big day we want schools from around the district to practice the Haka and share their efforts on social media. Some local schools will be at the event, leading the Haka on the day.
We encourage everyone to keep watch on the council's Facebook page for updates about the tour, and local events.
