Touring exhibition explores our rugby roots

‘Oranges at Halftime: Rugby and the Kiwi Experience’ will come to Hastings as part of the Real New Zealand Festival.

The travelling roadshow explores New Zealand’s fascination with rugby and the relationship which has developed between the oval ball game and Kiwi culture.

‘Oranges at Halftime’ is a celebration of the dads who coached nippers on the school field, the mums who washed the muddy shorts, the loyal fans on the sidelines in the rain, and the determined souls on the field playing their hearts out for their mates.

Hastings Mayor Lawrence Yule says “the exhibition is another great way for the region’s rugby fans to join in the excitement that will be created by Rugby World Cup 2011. The travelling roadshow will give a real taste of what rugby was like at grassroots level from 1950 through to the 1970’s.”

“Rugby has been an integral part of the development of the region, from club games to the Hawke’s Bay Magpies and this exhibition will help unravel the mystery of why the sport has become such a major part of the kiwi way of life” Mr Yule says.

“It’s important that Hastings residents are able to join in the World Cup experience and ‘Oranges at Halftime’ will be a part of bringing that special feeling to the region.”

Anyone who has been involved in rugby, either as a player, spectator or volunteer is being urged to tell their story at the roadshow recording station. The stories will be added to the records of kiwi life at NZHistory.net

The exhibition is just one part of the great entertainment package which will come to Hastings during the Rugby World Cup. The Hawke’s Bay Opera House will become Hastings official fan zone, with four games being featured on a massive screen in the theatre. Other events taking place during Rugby World Cup 2011 in Hastings include Epicurious, a weekend of fun, food and entertainment, the Rugby Haka and Hangi Festival and Game On at the Hastings City Art Gallery, a world class exhibition of contemporary art.

“Oranges at Halftime” will travel around the country in a transforming trailer which folds out into a huge space containing a rugby experience that everyone can enjoy. The exhibition will be located in the Hastings CBD Mall (next to Farmers) on September 19th and 20th.

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