World’s First Rock Paper Scissors Text Knockout

For immediate release 01 February 2005

Telecom Mobile is pleased to announce the World’s First Rock Paper Scissors (RPS) Text Knockout starts today.

Rock, Paper, Scissors is an age old method for dispute resolution as used by great world leaders and everyday civilians to keep society running smoothly.

Now 027 customers can have the chance to play RPS when they challenge The Machine in the world’s first mass TXT Rock Paper Scissors knock out.

RPS is free to enter for anyone with an 027 mobile phone. Customers simply register before February 11th by texting ‘RPS’ to 2005 or online at www.rps027.co.nz.

For two weeks from 11-23rd February players have the chance to challenge The Machine via FREE text. The rules are simple: Text R, P or S to 2005. Win or draw from the best of three and get the chance to play again. Even if players are KO’d they can still play for the weekly prize pools or win the wildcard draw.

After two weeks of knock outs the final eight players will become TV legends when the final is broadcast on C4. There are over 2000 prizes to be won including Ipod Minis, iBooks, Philips DVD Recorders, video phones, 027 airtime credits, travel prizes and the ultimate in urban transport - a classic Vespa scooter.

“We are really excited about giving Telecom customers the opportunity to take part in the first ever World RPS text knockout competition. The concept is completely original and is FREE for all 027 customers. Innovative concepts like RPS are part of our ongoing strategy and commitment to provide Telecom customers with more than just telecommunications services – RPS is great fun to play and hopefully customers will take RPS on board and use it in future as the ultimate decision making tool,” says Telecom Mobile Marketing Director Kevin Bowler.

The World’s first RPS text knockout has been officially endorsed by the World RPS Society. The leaders of the WRPS Society (www.worldrps.com ) Graham and Douglas Walker will be in New Zealand to take part in the final knock out. Douglas Walker governs out of the RPS headquarters in Toronto, Canada, while Graham officiates from the Society’s European Bureau in Prague.

The RPS challenge is taken rather seriously by the World RPS Society. As well as the Official Rock, Paper, Scissors Strategy Guide the Society organize an annual world championship which is broadcast globally on CNN, Foxtel and Discovery Channel.

ENDS