78% of New Zealand rugby fans believe that the All Blacks are as well prepared as they could be for the RWC, and most were confident in an All Black victory prior to the losses to the Springboks and Wallabies. According to new polls released today by UMR Research:

The Brancott Estate World of WearableArt (WOW) Awards Show would have made Italian film director Fellini proud, as show-goers are blown away in its opening night by fantasy and surrealism, and a surprise visit from Tim Shadbolt.

The latest monitoring information from the Powelliphanta augusta land snail relocation programme at Stockton Opencast Mine in Buller suggests at least one of the resettled groups of the native snail is capable of being self sustaining.

All Blacks Coach Graham Henry and his Assistant Coaches Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith have today announced the squad for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

The All Blacks squad in position (with province and Test caps in brackets) is:

Forwards:

Hookers

The eyes of the rugby loving world will be fixed on New Zealand in September 2011 when the All Blacks play Tonga in the opening game of the 2011 Rugby World Cup at Eden Park. Almost 30 years ago to the day the eyes of the world were on the same venue - but for very different reasons.

Firewood donation warms thousands in Christchurch.

Christchurch families facing the onset of a cold winter have received warming news, with a donation of over $40,000 worth of firewood being made available to residents in need.

New Plymouth’s eye-catching Te Rewa Rewa Bridge has just won another major international award.

Prime Minister John Key announced today that Indian businessman and Member of Parliament Vijay Mallya will be the next recipient of the Sir Edmund Hillary Fellowship.

Mr Key made the announcement in Mumbai while on a four day state visit to India.

New Zealand Win IRB Junior World Championship 2011 Title New Zealand have won a fourth successive IRB Junior World Championship title, although they were made to work exceptionally hard for a 33-22 victory in a thrilling final at Stadio Plebiscito in Padova, Italy, on Sunday.

Scott Styris today announced his retirement from International Cricket finishing a 12-year career with the New Zealand Blackcaps cricket team.