Taranaki: The place where I stand (and ski and surf and swim...)
The town of New Plymouth braced for a battle this week as the U.S. faced Russia in what was dubbed Rugby World Cup’s “Cold War Grudge Match.” During the showdown of the superpowers the hits were harder than any inflicted during the chilly 45-year standoff, and the U.S. team held off Russia 13-6 to register its third win ever at a World Cup event.
Despite their loss on Sunday to Ireland, the U.S. team had plenty of support in the city ahead of the match: New Plymouth is the official host city for the U.S. Team and they welcomed the Eagles to their West Coast region of the North Island with gusto.
New Plymouth, which lies about halfway between Auckland and Wellington (a drive of about 4.5 hours either direction), is set against the backdrop of a stunning lan
dscape that stretches from the Tasman Sea to Mount Taranaki. This progressive city is the capital of the Taranaki Region, named after the dormant volcano that’s the area’s geographic and spiritual heart — Mount Taranaki. Wherever you are in the region, the majestic near-perfect cone of its peak gazes down at you. Even from the rugby stadium.
The Kiwis of Taranaki are incredibly prou
d of their homeland, turangawaewae, which in Māori means 'place where I stand'. The region boasts a temperate climate with high sunshine hours and abundant rainfall that make it lush and green. It’s a destination for outdoor lovers the world over, who hit the classic waves around Surf Highway 45 and then head for the hills to snowboard or ski. In fact, Taranaki is one of the few places on earth where you can ski and surf in the same day.
New Plymouth, the city by the sea, was recently named the Best Place to Live in New Zealand by North & South Magazine. Edged by a 6.2mile/10km-long coastal walkway that features the iconic Wind Wand sculpture by Len Lye and the breathtaking Te Rewa Rewa Bridge (which recently scooped the international footbridge award), Kiwis cycle, walk, run and skate on beside the Tasman Sea here every da
y of the year.
There is a saying that if you live in New Plymouth and are more than 10 minutes' drive from the city center, then you must be living in the country — a motion the entire region will second. In fact, Taranaki’s regional development trust is taking advantage of the large number of visitors to the
region during Rugby World Cup 2011 with a highly visual “swap sides” campaign. The mess
age: “Whatever side of the world you’re on now is the time to swap sides to Taranaki, New Zealand.”
Intent on enticing large numbers of people to return to live and work in Taranaki, giant billboards are urging rugby fans to ditch the gridlocks of the big cities and make Taranaki their home. “This amazing part of the world offers everything you need for a lifestyle like no other - great jobs, an amazing environment and a life you'll love.”
During RWC2011, the region (like the entire country) is also hosting special events. Restaurants and eateries are presenting special menus in The Great West Coast Whitebait Challenge, where you have the pleasure of being a world-famous whitebait judge. Don't miss the famous New Zealand whitebait patties while you locum.
Then there's Out Standing in their Fields: a demonstration at the local Taranaki Farmers’ Market in New 
Plymouth where you'll meet the grassroots growers and producers and see dynamic chefs whipping up a storm with fresh, tasty and sustainably-grown produce. Finally, Taranaki International Village encompasses quality Māori art, crafts and apparel, food, and more. Special guest performers will be the U.S. Marine Corp Band from Hawaii - who was on hand to welcome the U.S. Eagles.
While the U.S. team and fans alike are thrilled about their long-awaited win (only their third in five tournaments) the World Cup competition is heating up: their next match pits them against two-time champs, Australia, on September 23 in Wellington. So it looks like “Wellywood” will be our next stop. Until then, see why Taranaki really is "like no other" right here: