More than 5000 entries already in to win Welcome The World

Media Release
For Release: 27 April 2011

More than 5000 entries already in to win $25,000 Welcoming the World to the Rugby World Cup 2011

More than 5000 entries are already in the running to win $25,000 and RWC 2011 Finals tickets as part of ANZ’s Welcome the World competition.

The competition will see the best idea on how to welcome the 85,000 visitors expected for the RWC 2011 Tournament in September come to life. Entries close 5pm on May 6.

“In the competition’s first week we got more than 2000 entries. The judges are going to have their hands full evaluating these ideas,” says Kerri Thompson, ANZ Managing Director, Retail.

“The judges are looking for truly original Kiwi ideas. We want people to be bold and original while highlighting things that we all love about New Zealand to really showcase some genuine Kiwi hospitality.”

Ms Thompson said there had been some interesting entrants so far. “One entrant called Handle the Jandal wants to stage a mass rendition of the national anthem using an orchestra of bashing jandals.

“Another called Gravy Train wants colourful hand pushed pie carts operating around the country with welcoming ambassadors handing out free pies - and tomato sauce - to rugby fans. The napkin will have welcoming kiwiana phrases and messages. Other ideas include a flash mob haka, a giant rugby ball piñata. The ideas range from the serious and useful to the fun.

“The judges have said entrants should keep it simple – the best ideas are the simplest,” says Ms Thompson. The judges are ANZ New Zealand Chief Executive Officer David Hisco, leading event producer Ant Hampel and brand guru Steve Kane.

“ANZ is committed to making the Tournament a success, and I’m really looking forward to seeing the winner’s idea come to life. New Zealanders are famous for their ingenuity and this is a great opportunity for that to shine,” said Ms Thompson.

The winner will receive $25,000 in cash plus four tickets to the Rugby World Cup 2011 Final at Eden Park on 23 October, including flights and accommodation. They will also help ANZ bring their ‘welcome the world’ idea to life in September. People can go online at www.welcometheworld.co.nz to vote for their favourite idea. The public and judges vote will determine the grand prize winner from five finalists. All entries go into a draw to win two Rugby World Cup 2011 semi, quarter or bronze finals tickets.

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