6 | New era for rugby attraction The All Blacks Experience is a joint venture between New Zealand Rugby and Ngāi Tahu Tourism. Sue Russell All Blacks Experience REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT While David Gibson, General Manager of Auckland’s interactive All Blacks Experience cultural attraction at Auckland’s Sky City Precinct, is new to the role, he’s relishing every moment to be part of moving the iconic exhibition into a new era. The former Auckland Blue’s and NZ Māori All Blacks rugby player says its wonderful to be part of bringing a culturally appropriate and very meaningful experience to thousands of visitors, from New Zealand and around the World. And it’s focusing on providing the latter with the very best engagement and understanding possible for visitors from Japan and China, that has led to the introduction of subtitled translations accompanying the various exhibitions. “We know that people from Japan and Chinese speaking countries are in awe of the All Blacks so by giving them opportunities to read their language as the story of the All Blacks is shared, will make the experience that much more engaging and meaningful,” says David. The All Blacks Experience is a joint venture between New Zealand Rugby and Ngāi Tahu Tourism. Introducing subtitled translations David says represents the business’s aim to be a world class global attraction. “It goes much deeper than providing information and opportunities to engage in what the All Blacks and our other international rugby teams represent. “It’s about the very essence of New Zealand’s indigenous culture and how the values and expressions of this are integral to what the All Blacks and all teams wearing the black jersey are,” says David. The Japanese and Chinese subtitled translations launched in April 1 and David says it reflects New Zealand Rugby and Ngāi Tahu Tourism’s commitment to continue to make The All Blacks Experience as profound as possible. Along with interactive zones guests are introduced to unique taonga (treasures) and artwork created by renowned Māori artists. Whakataukī (proverbs) that reflect Kiwi culture “It’s about the very essence of New Zealand’s indigenous culture and how the values and expressions of this are integral to what the All Blacks and all teams wearing the black jersey are.” and way of life are displayed for viewers to reflect on. “I think the most important thing in creating the subtitled translations is that it will definitely enhance and bring more meaning of The All Blacks Experience for these guests. It also recognises the All Blacks global fan base.” The inspiration and vision for The All Blacks Experience goes back many years before its official opening in 2020. And impacted, as many tourist attractions were, through the COVID years, the All Blacks Experience team is pullling out all stops to bring visitors, both local and from overseas through its doors. “We want to see everyone have an opportunity to come and see what we have. It’s a profound exhibition which carries great depth of feeling and experience. I’ve seen people walk out with tears in their eyes.” Visitors are first given a presentation on the exhibition by a guide before being carried along a mix of interactive and static displays. Interactive zones engage the visitor, bringing a real sense of what it feels like to face the ‘haka’, standing in front of a four metre high screen, to throwing a pass to an All Black and kicking a goal, all create moments visitors will remember. Just why the game has become such an important part of the story and development of Aotearoa and so closely tied to our national identity is shared by players past and present. “Hearing directly from past and present legends of the game and understanding the stories behind some of world rugby’s most well-known players, capturing special moments and matches is all part of what The All Blacks Experience has to offer.” David says the fully immersive nature of the exhibition is designed to leave viewers with goosebumps as they learn about the sacrifice made by players to become the best of the best. “Opening just as COVID arrived pushed us back a little but we’re determined now that the borders are open and people are free to move throughout the country that The All Blacks Experience is on their bucket-list of places to visit.”
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