Trophy gift marks one year to Lions tour

Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick accepted a special match trophy on Rotorua’s behalf today at the ‘One Year to Go’ function, marking exactly 12 months until the New Zealand Lions Series 2017 begins.

The trophy, one of seven unique taiaha that were specially designed and carved in Rotorua by a New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute tumu (tutor) Tony Thompson, is a first for the series.

Officials from each of the host cities received taiaha which will go on display in their cities until being claimed by the winning team.

Rotorua’s taiaha will go on display at central locations such as the Rotorua i-site and will also feature at games played at the Rotorua Stadium over the next year.

Mayor Steve Chadwick said she is eager to welcome the team Rotorua.

“I remember the official welcome to the Lions team in 2005 at Tama Te Kapua, the families lining the courtyard and the swell of the crowd. It is an enduring memory for me.

“We know that when we have an event here our numbers can swell by up to 14,000, we expect this to be even bigger.

“Rotorua is looking forward to showing the visitors true hospitality. The series will be great for our accommodation providers, our eateries and adventure activities. We hope to see the Night Market bursting with visitors. We can’t wait to showcase to the world all that we have to offer here in Rotorua.

“I know that Destination Rotorua and the community will be giving the Lions a big kia ora,” said Mayor Chadwick.

The series in 2017 will be the Lions 12th tour in New Zealand since they started in 1888. Since 1959 the Lions have played in Rotorua five times with their game here at the Rotorua Stadium in the 2005 tour attracting a sell-out crowd.

The series is expected to bring thousands of international visitors to New Zealand. Over 20,000 supporters journeyed to New Zealand for the 2005 tour and spent 430,000 visitor nights in accommodation across the country.

Remarkably many of the Lions supporters chose the independent travel option with 21,000 motorhomes hired for the duration of the 2005 tour.

Mayor Chadwick said Rotorua is ready to welcome our mobile supporters.

“In 2015 Rotorua was granted official Motorhome Friendly Town status. We have two dedicated inner city motorhome parking areas so they can visit the inner city with ease.”

The series is expected to create a significant influx of revenue for Rotorua’s economy, during a normally quiet period of the year. A report released by Covec following the 2005 tour reported that the economic impact for Dunedin surrounding the Otago v Lions game was huge. It was reported that the game attracted over 19,000 visitors to the city which resulted in 37,250 visitor nights spent in accommodation, with guests staying an average of 2.7 nights’ and ‘generated a total Gross Domestic Product of $5.6 million(including indirect and induced effects).’

Rotorua’s fixture in the series schedule is set for 17 June 2017 where the Maori All Blacks will play the Lions at Rotorua International Stadium.

“It is very special to have the Maori All Blacks playing here in the cultural heartland. The Lions really will be entering the lion’s den,” said Mayor Chadwick.

Keen fans will have to wait until the end of this month to find out more details with the ticket pricing being released on 29 June. Around 350,000 seats will be up for grabs around New Zealand with tickets being made available in October.

ENDS

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