PHYSICAL EDUCATION 3.

5
Examine a current physical activity event, trend, or issue and its impact New Zealand Society
INTRODUCTION
Rugby has developed into a core part of the kiwi culture, and now plays an important role in
many lives throughout New Zealand. This sport is played by many countries around the world
however, despite New Zealand being relatively small in comparison to other countries, we are
seen as the team to beat. Does this mean we disadvantaged as others have nothing to lose
whereas New Zealand have a reputation to uphold?

The rivalry between Australia has and will

always be aggressively entertaining to watch
for the kiwis, however this physical event held
in New Zealand has created a rivalry with the
British and Irish enemies from the other side of
the world. The Lions Tour Of New Zealand has
had an evident impact on the New Zealand
society, socially, environmentally, politically,
economically, culturally, historically, and
ethically. Despite the enormous amount of talent that New Zealand possess, there are always
advantages and disadvantages that influence, many individuals, families, teams, and also New
Zealand. Examining the Lions Tour critically will be vital in terms of making coherent and
insightful conclusions to create an understanding on what the impact of this event is having
on the New Zealand society. Many assumptions have been created which interrelate with the
Lions Tour and to challenge these will justify what New Zealand is truly benefitting from this
event.

HISTORY: BRITISH/IRISH AND NEW ZEALAND.

Ever since 1888, the British and Irish teams have

been competing against New Zealand in rugby
matches. This team played was against Otago, at
the Dunedin Caledonian Grounds with
approximately 10,000 spectators. (British and Irish
Lions, Statistical Data, 2017) However, the
official/authorized rugby game between the lions
and New Zealand was in 1904. (British, and Irish
Lions limited, 2017)

HISTORY: LIONS TOUR

Lions tour first began in 1908, where Australia, New Zealand, and the British/irish lions
competed against each other. Our country also hosts this event every 12 years. The lions only
successful test series in the lions tour to this day, was against New Zealand in 1971. Due to the
final match being a draw, both teams were found unsuccessful on winning the series in 2017.
The last time New Zealand hosting this tour was in 2005, where there were 11 matches,
however this year there will only be 10 matches in 2017. New Zealand have won this test
series 10 times, Lions have won this series once, and there has also been a drawn series
between the two (12 tours overall). In total, there has been 41 matches played between both
teams. New Zealand has won 30 matches, Lions have won 7 matches, and have drawn 4
matches. (wikipedia). This year the lions will play at seven different venues; W hangarei,
Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Rotorua, Hamilton and Wellington. T hroughout the month long
period the lions are in New Zealand, they will play a gainst; all blacks, NZ Mori, NZ barbarians,
crusaders, highlanders, hurricanes, chiefs, and blues. (New Zealand Lions series, 2017)

THE LIONS TEAM: The British and Irish Lions are made up of individuals which are from
Scotland, Ireland, England and wales. The lions team is made up of a squad of 41 players, 16
from England, 12 from Wales, 11 from Ireland, and 2 from scotland. This team is captained by
Sam Warburton. (Pearson, Goile, 2017). There are also two New Zealand born players who
were named in the squad, Ben Teo and Jared Payne.

ECONOMICAL IMPACT - Economically, the New Zealand has great potential to receive a
positive response from the lions tour. 20.4 million was generated in 2005, when New
Zealand last hosted the lions tour. In 2005, there were 11 matches with 360,000 available
tickets. There were 355,000 sold, which were claimed largely by the 29,000 tourists from the
United kingdom. Visitors generated estimated foreign exchange gains for the country of $120
million with a total economic benefit of $250 million. (Deane, 2017). Ticket prices were hiked
up to $450-plus for the internationals.

POLITICAL IMPACT: Also, the government funded this event by 3 Million dollars, to go
towards improving the kiwi culture, arts, innovation, and hospitality. (Joyce & Coleman, 2016).
Politically, this move from the government has coincidence timing considering there will be
elections in New Zealand shortly after the lions tour finishes. This generous fund will
contribute to fanzones to enable the public to experience and celebrate the the series with
having exposure to the passion New Zealand has for rugby. This event has been seen as an
opportunity to favour New Zealand for the potential high demand in the next 12 years when
New Zealand will host. With these plans the government hopes this will advantage New
Zealand. NZR had assets increased by 25 million dollars due to the lions tour series. Ticket
prices were hiked up to $450-plus for the internationals.

ADVANTAGED? There is a positive impact on the Wellington Region, largely economically

as there are two back to back games which means all fans will stay in the Wellington Region
for a period of a week. There will be significant benefit for Wellington's unique attractions for
example, te papa, cable car, parliament etc.

For example, Auckland is hosting Two games for the All blacks at Eden Park, which have
50,000 seats, 26,000 seats more than Westpac stadium. Hospitality and accommodation
sectors would naturally prosper. More than 1000 temporary jobs have been created during


the week, from regional food and beverage producers, to delivery drivers, retail workers,
transport workers, tourism operators, cleaners and many more. Although these jobs are only
temporary, this has created opportunities for many for employment. Majority of the
universities within the wellington area, and throughout the nation have mid term break
between June and July (Victoria university of Wellington, 2017). With this mid term break
scheduled perfectly in time with the lions series and them coming to Wellington, we would
expect the demand for temporary jobs by university students to become higher.

According to Devlin, within the Wellington region the hospitality during the Lions week has
been identified as the ultimate challenge to ensure that Wellington stands out in the fans
memories for being the best stop of their tour. Williams, expects this 20 pubs, and eateries to
have their busiest week, and expects to generate three to five times the normal weekly
income. In response, an extra 100 staff have been employed to work along is 460 stuff
specifically for the event.

British and Irish Lions fans are set to produce $30 million into the Wellington regional
economy during their week long stay (Devlin, 2017). The sold out test match against the All
blacks, on Saturday the 1st of July will have 25,000 visitors, which an estimated three
quarters being international tourists. They have back to back matches in Wellington, which
are expected to be great benefit for the exposure of what Wellington has to offer.
(attractions).

DISADVANTAGED? As the lions tour throughout New Zealand there has been a ripple
effect of there being a boost in the tourism, hospitality, retail and accommodation sectors.
Despite this, Wellington also had a negative impact on New Zealand economically, and
socially. Wellington lion fans were being forced to pay four times the going rate (about $130)
per night to park their camper vans on the Wellington City Council land. The usual cost is $30
for every 24 hours. Out of the $130 cost, $100 will be taken by the council. There were only
two toilets available to all campervans located 300 metres across a field, which smelt of urine.
The perception of Wellington is changed as their experience has been difficult in comparison
to other places they have been. (Cheaper and easier to find place to put camper van) There
was negative influence on Wellington as it is reflected as taking advantage of the Lions fans
(disadvantaged). As a result, this experience may hinder the campervan site popularity next
Lions Tour resulting in less income. The campervan is still gaining the normal $30 dollars
however the council is gaining $100 dollars therefore the parking area is not benefitting
anything whereas the council is. (Hunt, Fallon, 2017).

SOCIETAL IMPACT -
As mentioned earlier, rugby has been identified as an accepted norm within our country's
culture. New Zealand kiwis favour this sport largely
due to the success we have had in the past. New
Zealand's international team is called, The All
blacks, and they have won the the Rugby World Cup
in 1987, 2011, and 2015. Early New Zealand culture
was very masculine, this resulted in a higher
proportion of males to females. This has negatively
impacted on the female rugby as they are not so
central in society in comparison to the male sport.



British Lions supporter, Alex Edwards was taken in by, Sandra Ioane to stay with All Blacks
brothers Rieko and Akira Ioanes home. This lions supporter was going to stay in the
Ponsonby Rugby club car park. Mrs Ioane is a volunteer at the club and offered the Lions
support a place to stay for the night (McRoberts, 2017). This act of kindness has had a positive
impact because it is a reflection of New Zealand in a positive way. This has allowed cultures
to unite together as one, which is an kiwi experience for Alex edwards who would not find in
hotels or motels. Overall, this lion supporter was exposed to the kiwi culture as Sandra
referred to marae styles (only found in New Zealand as our country only has Maraes). A
sense of Humble/humility was a value displayed and received as their sons are famous/well
known All Blacks.

Recently, there has been a major emphasis placed on the Lion series not only on the media,
but in the classroom. The New Zealand Rugby (NZR) organisation has developed a
programme that will be introduced in more than 2,400 schools around New Zealand between
year 1 to year 8. According to the New Zealand Lion Series website (2017), students and
teachers will be given a comprehensive study guide on all four nations that make up the
British and Irish Lions. Also within this resource workbook, there is passing the ball advice,
values, activity sheets, and a rugby ball to encourage children to be more active. Although
they state this, I believe the NZR organisation are trying to create a higher interest in the
younger generation to later positively impact New Zealand society. As they know, if there is
higher interest in rugby and the lions series, there is potentially more income (tickets etc),
more supporters, and more publicity. NZR have been relatively smart in terms of thinking of
what the future lions tour holds, and what New Zealand need to do to maintain the kiwi
culture of Rugby interest.

CULTURAL IMPACT:
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) organisation has
announced that the official Charity Partner for the
DHL New Zealand Lions Series 2017, will be the
Starship Foundation. Starship Foundation is
social-profit organisation which raises funds so
Starship Children's Health can better care for its
young patients. The charity is aiming to raise over
$200,000 throughout the series, which will help
support the Starships Emergency Department.

The DHL New Zealand Lions Series will be able to help give exposure of the starship
foundation to the 355,000 people who are predicted to attend matches throughout the
series. With this exposure, and with the hope of each lion series fan donating $1, they would
possibly double the fundraising target which is definitely a positive impact. With the
involvement of the DHL New Zealand Lions series, there is a great opportunity for the New
Zealand society to help support starship through the connection of the love they have for
rugby. Starship Foundation chief executive, Brad Clark, has expressed how delighted he is to
celebrate the 25 year partnership milestone as it continues to benefit them positively.

IDENTIFIED AND CHALLENGED ASSUMPTIONS

In terms of identified assumptions, majority of the economical predictions are based off what
has happened in the past (historical). There currently is no 2017 report for the economical
statistics. With the hope of the same/more profit, there will be two matches held in Auckland,
Eden park which is the largest stadium in New Zealand that holds 34,500 people. Generated
money from this tour is made through ticket sales, accommodation, transport, exchange rates


etc. (Deane, 2017).

Although rugby is involved largely within the kiwi culture, as previously mentioned, there is an
assumption created that all New Zealanders are fond of the sport. H owever, is rugby truly
considered significant for ALL New Zealanders or is rugby just a loved sport? According to
University of Auckland professor Toni Bruce, he believes that the dominance of the rugby
sport should not be interpreted as universal support for the game in New Zealand. Meaning,
although rugby is played by the majority, but this does not mean that we can claim that the
sport is significant to ALL New Zealanders.

However, nationwide, overseas broadcasting and sponsors are constantly strengthening the
popularity of the game in New Zealand's favour for the majority. This has a positive result on
the globalisation of sport and continues to increase opportunities for international
competition in New Zealand, which is obviously more attentive to our society in comparison
to regional competition. The factor, commodification of sports, has created a perception that
New Zealand is home to biggest rugby fans and most hard working/successful rugby players
through media sources. Degradation of sports has been a result of the commodification as
the media publishes rugby only restricting the exposure for other sports to be recognised.
Although the sport rugby has significant meaning to the New Zealand country, I believe not
all New Zealanders are fond of this sport. The minority, including the Americas cup struggled
to get as much recognition as the lions tour overshadowed its success.

Many comments argue the place rugby has within society and how rugby is only a loved sport
due to its antipathy towards women. Antipathy towards women can be proven strongly by the
higher economic income men receive in comparison to women who represent New Zealand.
This inequality alone demonstrates a segregation between groups within society, which is
almost expected as groups within society will agree to disagree. Rugby is a loved sport by
many. Rugby is significant to our country, but not to every New Zealander.

CONCLUSION/SUMMARY
In conclusion, this report has provided an overview of the impact the Lions Tour has on New
Zealand, economically, culturally, politically, and socially. With the help of these speech
factors, I was able to draw conclusions about the impact the lions tour has had on New
Zealand both negatively and positively. With different perspectives, and challenging these
assumptions - I was able to conclude that rugby is a loved sport of New Zealand, however it
is not significant to ALL New Zealanders. I believe it is important to continue this Lions series,
as the atmosphere is unbelievable. Watching two passionate countries compete against each
other is one of the craziest and most entertaining things to witness.

REFERENCING LIST - RESEARCH ARTICLES

- 1888-1899 Touring tradition begins in 19th century. (2017, March 22). Retrieved August 28,

2017, from

https://www.lionsrugby.com/history/1888/04/28/1888-1899-touring-tradition-begins/

- The Lion$ Effect - massive windfall heading NZ Rugby's way. (2017, March 15). Retrieved

August 28, 2017, from https://www.newsroom.co.nz/@rugby/2017/03/15/11021/the-lion-effect

- Govt invests $3m in showcase for Lions Series. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2017, from

https://www.national.org.nz/news/2016-09-20-govt-invests-3m-in-showcase-for-lions-series

- Goile, J. P. (n.d.). Recap: British and Irish Lions' 2017 New Zealand tour squad revealed.

Retrieved August 28, 2017, from

http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/international/91691645/Recap-British-and-Irish-Lions-2017-

New-Zealand-tour-squad-revealed

- Fallon, T. H. (n.d.). Lions tour: Fans pay four times the going rate to park campervans in

Wellington. Retrieved August 28, 2017, from

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/94162068/Lions-tour-Fans-pay-four-times-the-going-rate-to-park

-campervans-in-Wellington

- Devlin, C. (n.d.). $30m Lion's share for Wellington's economy from rugby double-header.

Retrieved August 28, 2017, from

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/94058768/30m-lions-share-for-wellingtons-economy-from-rug

by-doubleheader

- DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2017, from

http://www.nzlionsseries17.com/News/NewsArticle/30755

- Wellington, V. U. (2017, August 07). Key dates. Retrieved August 28, 2017, from

https://www.victoria.ac.nz/students/study/dates


MANUKURA Student Feedback Sheet

Level 3 Physical Education
NCEA Achievement Standard 91502 3.5 4 Credits
Student Name: Connie

N/A ACHIEVED MERIT EXCELLENCE

Task
Report/Essay
TEACHER COMMENT Connie, another impressive report that has critically examined the most
recent DSL Lions Series and the impact it had on New Zealand society. I
like how youve argued a range of perspectives, considered pros/cons or
advantages and disadvantages. Youve identified and challenged
assumptions and you were able to back up your arguments with an
extensive range of resources. You were a lot more articulate and concise
this time around too. Ka pai :)
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