Kati Kati Ready for RWC Builds Giant Rugby Ball (Gtagged)
Katikati – a small New Zealand coastal town with a proud rugby history – has launched itself as a 2011 Rugby World Cup destination by erecting a bigger-than-life rugby ball as a tourist attraction.
The giant fibreglass ball – which is also designed to be a public noticeboard – appears on the town’s ‘front lawn’ at Diggelmann Park. It is owned by local rugby enthusiast Rollo Dunlop.
Built for the 1987 Rugby World Cup by a rugby shop in nearby Rotorua, the ball once enjoyed the title of biggest rugby ball in the world, but lost its claim to fame when Tourism New Zealand built a pavilion in the form of a giant inflatable rugby ball for the 2007 Rugby World Cup in Paris.
Katikati Low Down
Katikati claims to be the first small New Zealand town to promote itself for the upcoming 2011 Rugby World Cup and expects the giant rugby ball will put the town on the map for rugby visitors.
“Paeroa has its L&P bottle, Taupo has its trout and now we have one of the world’s largest rugby balls,” says local Rugby & Sports Club president Lester Gray.
The ball is mounted with a map on the rear, and a community notice board at ground level.
Gray said the idea came about when the Katikati Rugby Club was looking at ways of advertising its upcoming 130th celebration reunion in July 2010.
Katikati is best known for the many murals that adorn the town’s main buildings.
The 44 murals, all created since 1991, depict Katikati’s history, people and events. Other examples of open air art including sculptures are on display in the small town.
Katikati is in the western Bay of Plenty, a region renowned for its warm climate and outdoor activities. The town is just 20 minutes north of Tauranga, about an hour from Rotorua and Hamilton, and two hours south of Auckland.
You can find more information on Kati Kati from Bay of Plenty Tourism.
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It would be interesting to have a look at this masterpiece of architecture. I couldn’t imagine that such a thing can exist!
.-= Kate´s last blog ..Meloge meets German delegation in Hi-Tech Park =-.
I need to drive to katikati and get a picture.
This is great news. I was looking at a yard sale, hunting for rugby balls for my grand kids to play with when they visit. I heard that a lot of effort was put in to this project I really hope for their success!
.-= jun´s last blog ..Garage Sale Dress Attire =-.
I am not sure you can find a 50 ft Rugby Ball at a Garage Sale.
This sculpture is a true masterpiece!
The mind then opens in a unique way.
Katikati is best known for the many murals that adorn the town’s main buildings.
Hey great post, thanks for sharing, i am also looking forward to this rugby season
Hey great post, thanks for sharing, i am also looking forward to this rugby season
Great! Thanks for the post!