Giant Rugby Ball in Paris

New Zealand 's innovation and creativity were on display in a giant Rugby Ball Venue in front of the Eiffel Tower during the final stages of the Rugby World Cup 2007.

From early October 2007 for about three weeks, the 12 metre high and 25 metre long structure stood on the Champs de Mars, close to France’s iconic Eiffel Tower. The venue was open to the public during the day, promoting New Zealand tourism, businesses, culture, lifestyle, food and wine, and technology.

In the evenings, it became the hub for New Zealand-hosted trade and industry events, exhibitions, big screen viewing, functions and meetings, taking the best of NZ Inc. to the world.

Over 20,000 people experienced a "virtual" New Zealand by visiting the Rugby Ball while in Paris , and many more passed by or saw international media coverage of the eye catching venue. In 2006, 6.7 million people visited the Eiffel Tower.

Leveraging high profile events such as the America 's Cup has proved the potential of using major international events to profile New Zealand and New Zealand companies.

The Rugby Ball Venue is part of a four year programme and co-ordinated cross-government strategy of leveraging activities to maximise the benefits for New Zealand when we host the Rugby World Cup in 2011. Beyond Rugby World Cup 2007, the venue will be moved to new locations, to continue in the build-up to RWC 2011.

While managed by Tourism New Zealand, the Rugby Ball Venue is a result of a joint effort with New Zealand Trade and Enterprise and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.