Spectacular setting wins 'iconic' rugby title
09 Dec 2010
Iconic South Island rugby fields are the subject of a photography exhibition at Christchurch International Airport that will be on show during Rugby World Cup 2011.
Travellers will be able to view the photos - the top images from a competition to find the South Island’s most iconic rugby venue - at the airport from April to November 2011.
Wanaka photographer and rugby fan Kate Dowling took the winning image of the Upper Clutha Rugby Club, in the Southern Lakes region.
Roof-top shot
Dowling climbed up on the roof of the club rooms to snap the photo of a rugby game in progress in a spectacular alpine setting - with Lake Wanaka in the immediate background and the snow-capped mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park beyond.
The 25-year-old photographer is the secretary of the Upper Clutha Rugby Club, and often takes photos of the games.
The photo - one of five submitted by Dowling - was taken during the senior team’s final match against Queenstown.
"The photo really shows quintessential heartland rugby in a stunning paradise. We’ve got the most beautiful setting and it’s pretty hard to beat that view," she said.
"I also love the fact that it shows our team playing in the finals, which we won, with the town getting behind them."
Photography competition
The NZ$10,000 prize package for the winning photo included $1000 for the photographer, $2000 for the featured club, and $7000 for their rugby union.
The competition was run by Christchurch International Airport, as part of its lead up to Rugby World Cup 2011, and entries came from all corners of the South Island.
Photos were uploaded onto the airport website for a public vote.
The 10 most popular photos were judged by a panel of three experts representing rugby, photography and tourism: former All Black captain and Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder, The Press illustrations editor Richard Cosgrove, and Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler.
Heartland rugby
Judge Todd Blackadder said the winning photo had a number of elements that made it a great example of heartland rugby in the South Island.
"The magnificent backdrop of the mountains, the locals with their cars and trucks all parked beside the field, people standing on the back of utes watching the game, the two teams playing in rural New Zealand - it’s a great portrait of real rugby."
Dowling’s photo not only celebrated the way of life in Wanaka but also the outstanding scenery the region was famous for, according to Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore.
"Kate’s image truly captures the rugby season in Wanaka and the spectacular winter landscape," Helmore said.
"With thousands of rugby fans heading our way next year, we hope many will enjoy some of these grassroots settings so they can get an insight into why New Zealand is such a strong rugby nation - and those settings don’t get more memorable than Wanaka’s Upper Clutha Rugby fields!"
Background: Lake Wanaka
Lake Wanaka, in New Zealand’s Southern Lakes region, was voted fourth most popular outdoor adventure destination in the South Pacific 'TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2010 - The Best Destinations Awards'.
The web-based awards are voted by millions of travellers, and recognise the most memorable destinations around the world.
Voters rated the vibrant alpine town for its adventure activities and relaxing atmosphere.
Lake Wanaka’s location at the gateway to Mount Aspiring National Park and the Te Wahi Pounamu World Heritage Area makes it a popular choice for travellers wanting spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure in an unspoiled environment.
More information
Iconic New Zealand rugby grounds
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