Look To The Stars News: All Blacks

Laureus World Sport Awards To Benefit Charity

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:45:00 +0000

London will be the focus of the sporting world when it stages the 2012 Laureus World Sports Awards Ceremony on Monday, February 6.

The Laureus World Sports Awards, which recognize sporting achievement, are the premier honors on the international sporting calendar. The winners, as voted by the Laureus World Sports Academy, the ultimate sports jury, made up of 47 of the greatest sportsmen and sportswomen of all time, will be unveiled at a globally televised Awards Ceremony staged at Central Hall, Westminster, in London.

Proceeds from the Laureus World Sports Awards directly benefit and underpin the work of the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, which supports 91 community sports projects around the world. Since its inception, Laureus has raised €40 million for projects which have improved the lives of more than one-and-a-half million young people.

Rugby Star Donates Underwear To Celebrity Charity Auction

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:00:00 +0000

A signed pair of World Champion rugby star and All Black Dan Carter’s Jockey underwear and the sweaty singlet studded with Swarovski crystals Richard Simmons wore in Air New Zealand’s safety video are amongst more than 100 items up for grabs in Air New Zealand’s annual Kids @ Christmas charity auction at www.sella.co.nz.

Other big ticket items include breakfast with former New Zealand Prime Minister and current Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme Helen Clark in New York, the chance to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Dublin, two months unlimited Business Premier travel and an All Blacks training jersey signed by current NZ Prime Minister John Key.

The auction is this year raising money for charities Kids Restore New Zealand and Ronald McDonald House Wellington, a facility where families can stay while their child is being cared for in hospital.

Rugby Legend Jonah Lomu Named As UNICEF Ambassador

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 18:50:00 +0000

All Blacks rugby legend Jonah Lomu has taken on an important new role as Ambassador for UNICEF in New Zealand.

Rugby Heroes To Play For Charity At Twickenham

Tue, 16 Aug 2011 12:30:00 +0000

Some of the greatest rugby players from around the world will line up at Twickenham Stadium on Saturday 3 December 2011 for the ‘Heroes Rugby Challenge’.

The match aims to raise a substantial sum of money for Help for Heroes, the charity which provides practical support for wounded service men and women.

All Blacks Extend Charity Partnership Ahead Of World Cup

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup later this year, the New Zealand All Blacks have launched an extended partnership with the team’s official charities.

The All Blacks’ official charities, KidsCan and Plunket have extended their relationships with the New Zealand Rugby Union until March 2012 and are working with the NZRU on a series of initiatives in support of Kiwi children.

The KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust helps disadvantaged children in low decile schools nationwide, while Plunket is the largest provider of free support services for the development, health and wellbeing of children under five in New Zealand.

All Blacks Help Design Car For Charity

Tue, 31 May 2011 12:00:00 +0000

New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, are hosting the Rugby World Cup later this year, and have just launched an exciting new charity initiative.

A limited edition Ford Fiesta designed by the All Blacks and Ford New Zealand is now on sale to the public. The final look of the AB35 Fiesta, which had input from many players including Richie McCaw, Dan Carter and Conrad Smith, has been kept under wraps for weeks.

Only 35 of the cars have been made by Ford New Zealand, with one of the cars being auctioned for charity on TradeMe.co.nz between May 29th and June 8th.

Celebrity Charity Cricket Raises $500,000 For Earthquake Victims

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 13:00:00 +0000

The celebrity charity cricket game held at Wellington’s Basin Reserve in New Zealand yesterday has raised NZ$500,000 for victims of last month’s devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key took part in the game against Australian cricket legend Shane Warne, New Zealand sporting heroes and a selection of hobbits.

Umpired by Martin Freeman and Mark Hadlow from Peter Jackson’s production of The Hobbit, as well as several All Blacks, the game saw teams “coached” by Russell Crowe and James Nesbitt go head-to-head in a friendly game to help those in need. Ian McKellen was also on hand to donate his time.

More Hobbits To Play Celebrity Charity Cricket In New Zealand

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 11:30:00 +0000

More stars from The Hobbit have been named to take part in this weekend’s celebrity charity cricket match in New Zealand to raise money for victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

Actor Martin Freeman – who will play Bilbo Baggins in Peter Jackson’s upcoming films – will umpire the game, along with Kiwi actor Mark Hadlow, who plays Dori the dwarf. Ian McKellen will be match referee. And British actor James Nesbitt – cast as Bofur – will go head-to-head with Russell Crowe as a coach of the two teams, which consist of New Zealand All Blacks and other sporting greats. Even Australian cricket legend Shane Warne is set to appear.

“We’ve been blown away by the level of interest and I’d be very surprised if it wasn’t a sellout,” said Gavin Larson, Wellington cricket boss. “The ground was recalibrated three years ago and the capacity is 8000, which I get the feeling we are going to reach a lot quicker than we thought.”

Ian McKellen And Russell Crowe Join Celebrity Charity Cricket For Christchurch Earthquake

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:30:00 +0000

Sir Ian McKellen – currently in New Zealand to reprise his role of Gandalf for The Hobbit – will be match referee in a celebrity charity cricket game to raise money for victims of the devastating Christchurch earthquake that has claimed over 200 lives.

Joining the wizard for the match will be New Zealand-born actor Russell Crowe – who will coach one of the celebrity teams – as well as Australian cricket legend Shane Warne and former All Blacks Marc Ellis and Tana Umaga.

The game takes place at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, March13. Tickets go on sale today through Ticketek – $20 for adults and $10 for children.

Bear Grylls' Message For Christchurch Earthquake Victims

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

British adventurer and TV star Bear Grylls was filming just outside Christchurch when the deadly 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the New Zealand city last week, killing over 200 people.

“In some ways it’s a privilege to be in New Zealand at the moment, to stand beside you in what you’re going through as a nation,” he says, as the country tries to come to terms with the disaster. "New Zealanders are renowned around the world for being tough and resilient, that’s what makes you so darn good at rugby, but it’s that same spirit that will get you through this. My heart goes out to you.

“If I have learnt anything over the years while filming Man Vs Wild is that you can’t take the wild for granted.

Get Tickets To See Usher Live In New Zealand Earthquake Charity Auction

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Here’s your chance to see Usher up close and personal in New Zealand while benefiting victims of the devastating Christchurch earthquake.

The whole country has banded together to help the stricken city, where the death toll is expected to reach 240. Auckland CBD business association Heart of the City and local inner-city businesses have joined forces to help those affected by the Canterbury Earthquake.

From Monday 28 February until Monday 7 March 2011, Trade Me’s BIG little store will see a myriad of goods and services donated by central Auckland businesses auctioned off in aid of the Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Fund.

Rachel Hunter And The All Blacks Raise Money For Guide Dogs

Tue, 22 Feb 2011 11:30:00 +0000

One of the biggest and cutest online charity auctions seen ever in New Zealand is launching on February 22 – with some 800 items up for sale.

The auction – entitled Every Dog Has Its Day – will raise money for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s (RNZFB) Guide Dog Services, and has been organised by leading real estate agency Bayleys.

Bayleys is the principal sponsor of the RNZFB’s Guide Dog Services. The massive online auction kicks off on the on-line auction website sella.co.nz during the early hours of February 22.

Bono Leads Celebrity Tributes To Mining Tragedy In New Zealand

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A number of stars have paid tribute to the 29 coal miners killed in an explosion in New Zealand last week.

U2 led the tributes by scrolling the names of the dead from the Pike River disaster across big screens while performing One Tree Hill – a song written by Bono in memory of a New Zealand friend – during the band’s two concerts in Auckland. Earlier in the evening, opening act Jay-Z dedicated “Young Forever” to the victims of the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Tiger Woods’ caddie Steve Williams raised $16,000 for families of the victims by organizing a race car event in the area where the disaster occurred.

Stars Donate Artworks To Celebrity Charity Auction For Willow Foundation

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +0000

A whole bunch of stars – including Ricky Gervais, Roger Daltrey, Joanna Lumley and Wayne Rooney – have donated signed canvases to a special celebrity charity auction in the UK.

The Willow Foundation and British artist, Julie-Anne Gilburt, have teamed up to create an exhibition of 20×20 cm canvases, each created by a different star. Well known faces from the worlds of sport, art, design, fashion, music and entertainment have drawn on their artistic skills in aid of the charity.

Dora The Explorer Joins Salma Hayek For Celebrity Charity Auction In New Zealand

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Two exclusive Dora the Explorer backpacks – personally designed and autographed by celebrity mums Salma Hayek Pinault and Jessica Alba – will be sold for charity in New Zealand.

The two backpacks were gifted to Plunket by Nickelodeon, and were produced to celebrate Dora the Explorer’s tenth anniversary.

All Blacks Join Wheelchair Rugby Squad For Charity

Fri, 08 Oct 2010 11:30:00 +0000

A gutsy and star-studded celebrity team is set to take on the Wheel Blacks, New Zealand’s national wheelchair rugby squad, in a charity exhibition match at the Auckland Spinal Unit this Sunday.

Actor Robbie Magasiva and All Blacks Keven Mealamu, Tana Umaga, Benson Stanley and Buck Shelford are just a few of the famous faces that have taken up the wheelchair rugby match challenge to fundraise for the New Zealand Rugby Foundation (NZRF) and raise awareness of its rugby supporters’ website, www.no8.co.nz. Funds raised from the match will help the NZRF continue its support of the Wheel Blacks, along with providing care and resources to seriously injured rugby players and their families.

The not-for-profit organisation launched www.no8.co.nz in order to create an online community for passionate rugby supporters that would celebrate New Zealand’s national game, as well as serve to benefit injured players.

All Blacks Back Charity Campaign In New Zealand

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 12:30:00 +0000

Over 1,700 needy children in New Zealand came together last week for a special event with the national rugby team, the All Blacks.

All Black hero Ali Williams helped national charity KidsCan hand out its 50,000th raincoat to children from low income families in Auckland.

“Giving a child a raincoat is about so much more than just protecting them from the elements,” Williams said. "It’s about giving kids the resource and the confidence to go to school and enable them to stand tall, be proud and further their education, all of which will lead us towards a better New Zealand.

Rugby And Soccer Join For Charity In New Zealand

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 12:30:00 +0000

A football shirt signed by the only team unbeaten in this year’s FIFA World Cup – New Zealand’s All Whites – and a children’s playhouse ‘signed’ by Kiwi rugby’s All Black captain Richie McCaw are some of the sensational items up for grabs at a charity auction and cocktail party to raise funds for Cure Kids.

The gala event is being held in New Zealand to support the fundraising efforts of Christchurch Samaritans David Hiatt and Hamish Jenkins, who are taking part in the Novotel $10 Queenstown Challenge. The challenge will see the pair endeavour to hitch-hike their way from Queenstown to Auckland over the space of three days with only $10 in their pockets.

Business owner David and Air New Zealand pilot Hamish have to raise $7,125 before the Queenstown to Auckland trek begins in October. To help them reach that target, Bayleys Real Estate is donating $200 for every property referred onto the company by David and Hamish. In addition, Bayleys is contributing another $800 for every property referred by the pair which then goes on to be a successful sale.

New Zealand Rugby Star Illustrates Children's Book

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 11:30:00 +0000

Rugby hero and All Black Keven Mealamu has teamed with creative kids from Room 22 at Colwill School in West Auckland, New Zealand, for a new children’s book as part of Barfoot & Thompson’s Magic of Reading program.

Earlier this year, kids from the school came up with a creative concept for a children’s book and entered a contest to have their story work-shopped with children’s writer John Parker and illustrated by Keven Mealamu.

‘Room 22 and Jumbo, the Monster Caterpillar,’ is a colorful 32-page book which sells for just $10, with all proceeds benefiting the Starship Foundation.

David Beckham Hits New Zealand For Kids And Animals

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 13:30:00 +0000

David Beckham was in Auckland, New Zealand, last week for several charity events.

First up was a benefit gala for KidsCan, a charity dedicated to meeting the basic physical needs of financially disadvantaged children, leveling the playing field for them so they have the chance to reach their full potential.

Beckham was joined at the gala – held last Thursday, December 4 – by members of New Zealand’s All Blacks, the national rugby team and patrons of the charity, as well as Hollywood star Martin Henderson, who was born in New Zealand.

Bob Geldof To Give Charity Talk Down Under

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:30:00 +0000

Sir Bob Geldof is to be keynote speaker at a special charity evening in Auckland, New Zealand, tomorrow night, November 14.

The iconic humanitarian and rock-star will talk about “Making a Difference” at a gala dinner to benefit the Manukau Community Foundation, a New Zealand-based charity that supports projects focused on youth, English literacy, senior citizens, rape prevention and parenting programs for migrant women. He will speak candidly about working with some of the world’s most powerful figures… including some of the lighter moments he has shared with them. He will also talk on the need for change and how to make a difference at all levels including government, industry, family and the self.

The evening will be hosted by New Zealand broadcasting legend Paul Holmes, and will feature an auction hosted by former All Black Frank Bunce and a question and answer session with Geldof.

Kiwi Stars Hold Charity Auction

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:30:00 +0000

World class rockers and sports stars from Down Under have donated items to a new online auction benefiting an organization that helps disabled and disadvantaged individuals develop their skills and abilities to contribute to their communities.

Past and present members of the All Blacks – New Zealand’s national rugby team – have stepped up to the mark with Olympic medalist Sarah Ulmer and Crowded House’s Neil Finn to take part in the auction, which is rasing money for the Gracelands Trust, an organization based in the North Island of New Zealand.

Founded and developed by Robyn Klos, the Gracelands Trust has developed from a small service supporting people in Te Awamutu to now offering programs throughout the greater Waikato region. It is based on a personal optimistic philosophy that it is possible to harness professional skills and knowledge with community resources and goodwill to provide a people-centered service, where everyone benefits.

New Zealand All Blacks Announce Charity Partnership

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:30:00 +0000

They may have bowed out earlier than expected in last year’s World Cup, but New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, have proved that they are still at the top of their game after two wins against England in the last two weeks, and a veritable annihilation of Ireland the week before that. And now the world famous squad – who are well known for their charity work – have announced their official charity for the next three years.

The partnership with KidsCan was announced at a special event at a South Auckland school earlier today that saw team member Ali Williams handing out raincoats to raise school attendances.

“We are really proud to have KidsCan as the official charity of the All Blacks,” said team captain Richie McCaw. “The team is keen to support organizations that help more New Zealand kids be healthy and happy.”