New Zealand Says "Kia Ora Chicago"!

In the lead-up to the New Zealand All Blacks vs. USA Eagles rugby match on November 1st at Soldier Field, New Zealand showcases its sporting, business and cultural ties to Chicago.

News provided by

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

Oct 23, 2014, 05:36 ET

CHICAGO, Oct. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "Kia Ora Chicago" will become a common refrain in Chicago as New Zealanders ("Kiwis") flock to the city to watch as the All Blacks take on the USA Eagles at Soldier Field on November 1st in a sold out stadium.

This is the first rugby match the New Zealand All Blacks have played on U.S. soil in over 30 years. To mark the occasion, Chicagoans will have the opportunity to experience the best of New Zealand food, wine, culture and business innovation in their very own city.

New Zealand in Chicago By The Numbers 2014

Click here for an infographic with fun facts about New Zealand in Chicago in the lead up to the game.

Also check out New Zealand themed events in Chicago the week before the match, including:

Match spectators will have the opportunity to see the All Blacks perform the Haka live before kick-off on November 1st. For Chicagoans interested in learning more about this traditional Māori challenge, the Haka! Exhibition at The Field Museum will be officially opened with a Pōwhiri, a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony this week. Running until December 1st, the exhibition will be displayed in front of the Ruatepupuke II Marae, one of only three Māori meeting houses outside of New Zealand.
Chicago's Fado Pub is devoting its Wednesday, October 29^th Trivia Night to all things New Zealand. Did you know that New Zealand was the first country to give women the vote? That Kiwi Ernest Rutherford was the first person to split the atom? Come test your knowledge on New Zealand from Lorde to Flight of the Concords, and from our national game –rugby - to Lord of the Rings. More details here.
Icebreaker, a New Zealand merino-wool apparel company, is hosting a welcome to Chicago event at its Chicago TouchLab (44 East Walton St) for Chicagoans and Kiwis alike on October 30^th, 6-9pm. Here you can enjoy Mainland Vintage cheddar cheeses and Envy apples from New Zealand, and sample some fantastic New Zealand wine. Space is limited. More information is here.
Meet some real "Kiwis" and experience the best of our food and wine at select restaurants and bars in Chicago throughout October, including Fizz Bar, Fado Pub and Kaiser Tiger. New Zealand Winegrowers is holding tasting events for trade and media on October 30th and Wine Channel TV's 'Sip New Zealand' will be hosting two Match Central events in Chicago for guests to taste New Zealand wines and dishes from Chef Rodelio Aglibot at Reverie Chicago. More details about all the New Zealand food and wine events around the city are here.
Intelligentsia Coffee is giving a shout-out to New Zealand by adding the 'Flat White' to their coffee menu for the week of October 27^th at their seven locations in Chicago. Come try this New Zealand-famed coffee as an alternative to your latte this week and experience coffee the way Kiwis drink it!
Running the month of October, Lightology Showroom (215 W. Chicago Ave) is exhibiting an installation from famed New Zealand designer, David Trubridge. "Hui," -- David's eco-friendly lighting installation -- comes from shapes inspired by the myths, legends and beauty of New Zealand. For a sneak peek of the award winning designer, click here.
On October 31st, locals will have the chance meet the All Blacks, enjoy New Zealand-inspired food & drink, learn about the "Haka," cheer on the players in a friendly competition and enter for a chance to win tickets to the game. Hosted by Air New Zealand and AIG, the event will take place from 10am to 12pm at Howells & Hood. More details here.

"Chicagoans and Kiwis are both very passionate about their sport, food and unique heritage," said Marta Mager, Regional Director, North America, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. "We are thrilled to be in Chicago, introducing Chicagoans to the best of New Zealand and being introduced to the best of Chicago. Kia ora Chicago!"

For more information on New Zealand in Chicago, go to:
http://www.newzealand.com/rugbychicago2014
@NZ_Global
#kiaorachicago

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New Zealand Trade and Enterprise is the New Zealand Government's international business development agency. Through our network of offices worldwide, we aim to improve the international competitiveness and sustained profitability of New Zealand business by providing access to people, knowledge and opportunities.