Monday 10 October

Manawatu School Group wins REAL New Zealand Festival Song Contest for Rugby World Cup 2011

Manawatu’s Ashhurst School has won the REAL New Zealand Festival Song Contest for Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) with a song titled ‘Black Fever’.

The school’s entry was created in just two weeks by The Minstrel with Ashhurst School students and parents and was a clear winner in the contest, as judged by public vote on YouTube.

Second placed was ‘In Time Forever More’ by Casey Murray of Kerikeri with ‘Heroes of Our Union’ by Sydney-based New Zealander Helen Silby in third place, followed by ‘Men In Black’ by London-based Kiwi Bryce Taylor and The Canz, and ‘Invincible’ by Adam Usmani of Auckland.

Fifty entries were received for the REAL New Zealand Song Contest with entries coming from all over the country and overseas. The top five songs will be played at the RWC 2011 Fanzones on Queens Wharf in Auckland and in Christchurch's North Hagley Park during the Semi Finals weekend, the final week of the Tournament and Finals weekend.

REAL New Zealand Festival director Briony Ellis said she was thrilled at the enthusiasm for the contest from New Zealanders.

“The contest came about in response to the number of songs that were sent in to us and to Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011. It was an opportunity for people to share their creativity about ‘real’ New Zealand and their passion for our country, our team, the Tournament, our people and our spirit.”

The REAL New Zealand Song Contest was organised by the REAL New Zealand Festival – part of the New Zealand 2011 Office. Find out more about the REAL New Zealand Festival at www.realnzfestival.com or visit the REAL New Zealand Festival on Facebook (facebook.com/realnzfestival) or Twitter (@realnzfestival).

ENDS

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