23 July 2004

Anthem cards to inspire All Blacks rugby crowd

The crowd at Jade Stadium for Saturday evening's All Black's game against South Africa will have no excuse for not joining in full-blooded singing of the National Anthem and haka with the distribution of cards containing all the words prior to the game.

The anthem cards - which proved hugely popular at last year's All Blacks games - are one of several initiatives designed to promote Maori Language Week 2004, which runs from 26 July to 1 August.

Representatives of the Maori Language Commission, Te Puni Kokiri and the Human Right Commission, co-sponsors of Maori Language Week, will be at Jade Stadium to hand out over 20,000 of the cards which have been sponsored by the New Zealand Rugby Union.

Haami Piripi, Chief Executive of the Maori Language Commission says that having a patriotic crown in full voice before kick off will leave the Springboks in no doubt that they're playing not just the All Blacks, but the whole of New Zealand.

"I've been at a match where the whole crowd was in full voice and there's nothing quite like it," says Mr Piripi.

"We know it's going to be a tough game and with the Anthem cards ensuring that everybody is able to join in, it should give our team the best possible start."

Chris Moller, CEO the NZRU says the Union is proud to be part of the initiative.

"Supporting the Maori language is very important to us," says Mr Moller, "and I'm looking forward to being at Jade Stadium on what is undoubtedly going to be a memorable occasion."

Mr Pipiri says the cards are just one of the resources that will be available for Maori Language Week - with others including an introductory Maori phrase book called 'Give it a Go - Korero Maori', posters, t-shirts and the inaugural Language Week Awards.

"The overall aim of the week is for people to become more comfortable with incorporating elements of reo Maori into their everyday lives, thereby enhancing the culture that makes New Zealand unique," Mr Piripi says.

For copies of the Awards entry form or further information visit www.nzreo.org.nz or contact Lana Simmons-Donaldson lana@tetaurawhiri.govt.nz Tel: 04 4716 724