Thursday 11 August

The search is on for a special New Zealand song to feature during the REAL New Zealand Festival and Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011).

The New Zealand 2011 Office’s REAL New Zealand Festival is giving Kiwi songwriters the chance to share their original song, and the most popular will be played at selected Fanzones throughout the country during the closing week of the Festival and Tournament.

REAL New Zealand Festival director Briony Ellis says the contest has come about in response to the number of songs that have already been sent in to the REAL New Zealand Festival and to Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011. The contest is all about giving people the chance to share their creativity, to get involved and to have their song heard.

“We’ve received dozens of original songs from people about ‘real’ New Zealand and their passion for our country, our team, the Tournament, our people, our spirit. We want people to hear this great work, and we think there must be other songwriters out there who have songs to submit as well.

“This is something special which brings New Zealanders together during the Festival, showcases our Kiwi talent and celebrates New Zealand pride.”

The contest will run from Monday 15 August until Friday 30 September and details are available at www.realnzfestival.com/songcontest.

Applicants submit their own song about ‘real’ New Zealand to the REAL New Zealand Festival – and all eligible songs will be displayed on the Song Contest YouTube channel. Judging will be by public vote based on the number of ‘likes’ received for each song. Because of the YouTube requirements, songs will need to be submitted in video format – but it’s all about the song, not the video.

The key criteria are that songs entered into the contest must be original and must be a complete song with lyrics, and can cover any aspect of being a Kiwi. Entrants may use any instruments or none at all, and the song may be sung by one or many voices.

All songs that meet the criteria will be displayed on the REAL New Zealand Song Contest YouTube Channel and the five most ‘liked’ songs will become the “People’s Choice” winners and have the chance to be played at selected Fanzones around New Zealand during RWC 2011.

The five winning songs will also be available on the REAL New Zealand Festival website www.realnzfestival.com from Wednesday 12 October to Wednesday 23 November. The REAL New Zealand Festival is part of the Government’s New Zealand 2011 Office which is responsible for the leverage and legacy programme for Rugby World Cup 2011.

“This is a great chance for new and established songwriters to play on the same stage, in effect, and for all of us to hear what great original songs have been created about real New Zealand and real New Zealanders.”

The New Zealand 2011 website has a number of ways for New Zealanders to get involved in RWC 2011, from learning anthems to having the best dressed street – check it all out at nz2011.govt.nz. You can follow the REAL New Zealand Festival on realnzfestival.com, or on Facebook (facebook.com/realnzfestival) or Twitter (@realnzfestival).

ENDS

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