Taking a look at recent, positive, uplifting, news stories and yarns, from New Zealand and all around the world, to bring a smile and a bit of cheer.
New stadium a big hit
Last weekend Christchurch ‘s brand new stadium hosted the Super Ruby round and it has proven to be a hit for players, fans, and Christchurch business owners. Over 70,000 people attended the three days of games and 15 years without a stadium of the calibre of Lancaster Park has ended. For the people of Christchurch the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is a boon to the city that has dusted off the tragedy and desolation of the 2011 earthquake and is now transformed.
“After a mammoth three-day rugby extravaganza at Christchurch’s new One New Zealand Stadium, fans and central city business-owners are delighted with how the weekend went. Around 75,000 people went to the five Super Round matches, with bars having some of their busiest days ever. Greg May, one of the owners of Smash Palace, said it was a huge weekend at the bar with large crowds each day. ‘It was what I would have hoped for at my best estimation. It was really a wonderful increase.’ He said it was also clear there were a lot of people meeting up in Christchurch from out of town, including a lot of Australians.
“Tomoki Peters was one of those who travelled all the way from Melbourne for Christchurch’s Super Round, as well as to visit family. He went to all five games over the three days and had nothing but praise for the new stadium, even the beer prices. ‘Not a bad seat in the house,’ said Peters. ‘I sat in a lot of different locations over the weekend. Great atmosphere, fans were great, staff were great. Cheap beer, food was great.'” (Source: “Christchurch’s new One New Zealand Stadium is a hit with the crowds,” by Rachel Graham, April 28, www.rnz.co.nz).
5 stars – it’s brilliant that this new venue will add so much to the economy and people of the garden city – total upside!
Marathon record broken
At last weekend’s London Marathon a Kenyan runner became the fist person to run the distance in under two hours, breaking the record by 30 seconds.
“After years of global obsession, lab-backed experiments and near-misses, the marathon’s ultimate barrier finally fell as Sabastian Sawe obliterated the world record previously held by the late Kelvin Kiptum, who set a time of 2:00:35 at the Chicago Marathon in October 2023. Yomif Kejelcha of Ethiopia stayed on Sawe’s heels over much of the 42.195-kilometre course before fading down the final stretch to take second in his marathon debut with 1:59.41, while Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda took the bronze in 2:00.28, making for the most remarkable men’s marathon finish in history.
“‘I am feeling good, I am happy, it’s a day to remember for me,’ Sawe said, holding up his shoe with “WR” and “sub-2″ written on it in black marker pen.” (Source: “Kenya’s Sawe shatters elusive two-hour marathon barrier,” April 27, www.rnz.co.nz).
5 stars – a pretty amazing achievement! Great stuff!
Bugle with a big history
Last weekend the great, great-granddaughter of a World War One veteran played Last Post and reveille on his bugle at an ANZAC service in Auckland, creating a new page in a fantastic family history and tradition.
“Maia Carran [played] the bugle calls on an instrument belonging to her great-great-grandfather James Clapp, who served on the HMS Ajax in World War 1. Clapp immigrated to New Zealand after the war. He gave the bugle to Maia’s grandfather David, who has played it at every Anzac Day for the past 60 years. Maia said at last year’s Anzac Day services she had played the trumpet while her granddad played the bugle.
“However, this year Maia [played] the bugle because Clapp was out of action after having his teeth removed. ‘I’m a bit nervous this time because I’m going to be on my own and I only played with Poppa for one year.'” (Source: “The 8-year-old Anzac bugler using her great-great-grandfather’s instrument,” by Sandy Eggleston, April 24, www.rnz.co.nz).
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