NEWSROOM: 30 September - 06 October 2007

A tribute and farewell to Sir Barry Curtis
06 October 2007 - Source: Councillor Su’a William Sio
 
On Thursday 27th September, Seiuli Sir Barry Curtis chaired the final meeting of Manukau City Council for the last time in his role as Mayor, a role he has held since 1983, making him the longest serving mayor in New Zealand.

A tribute by Councillor Su’a William Sio who spoke after seeking the blessings of fellow Samoan councillors Alf Filipaina, Pulotu Arthur Solomon and Anae Arthur Anae described Seiuli Sir Barry Curtis as a mountain of a mayor.

‘We have an old Samoan saying which I believe is appropriate for this occasion. E le falala fua lau o le niu, e ala ona falala ona ua agi le matagi. The leaves of the coconut tree do not move without reason, they move because the winds are blowing. Sir Barry, the winds of change are blowing on Manukau City, and indeed in these council chambers,” Councillor Sio said.

After acknowledging the sudden death of Pakuranga’s Cr Neil Morrison and those councillors not standing for re-election, Cr Sio turned to the mayor for the last time and said, ‘Sir Barry, you are the mountain we call Manukau City. You stand tall. You are immovable, and you are rock solid in your championing of a philosophy of social justice and social democracy. You’ve coined so many phrases which bind us together under the Manukau Sky, the Manukau Sun, and my favourite of them all, of Otara being the Capital of Manukau City.”

“As a mountain you have been able to withstand the harsh elements, whether it is rain, hail or strong winds, in the form of nasty letters in the papers, or emails, or phone calls, of untruths & misinformation said of you and of the Manukau City Council. You have withstood all that in your long service to the people of Manukau. And we so admire your leadership.”

‘You’ve represented all of us, all the people of Manukau with mana and dignity and we appreciate it and are proud of your efforts. You have been a statesman for Manukau. You have promoted Manukau unceasingly with pride, passion and determination, and we’ve all thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“You’ve always made yourself available to people. You’ve been supportive of all our issues. You have been a magnificent role model for myself and all the young people of Manukau City. We have been proud to work alongside you in the past several years.”

“There will never be another Sir Barry Curits ever again. You are not only Seiuli a Prince of the late Malietoa Tanumafili II, Samoa’s former Head of State, but in our eyes you will always be remembered as a founding city father of Manukau City.”

“You go with our blessings, our love and our support. We wish you and your good lady, Mayoress Anne all of the best in the future. Ia soifua.”

The Otara Community will say their final farewells to Sir Barry on Friday, 4th October in the Otara Town Centre. The final farewell organised for Sir Barry by Manukau City Council will be held on Friday, 12th October at the Telstra Clear Events Centre.
 

Auckland Theatre Company present ‘My Name is Gary Cooper’
05 October 2007 - Source: Auckland Theatre Company Press Release
 
There was more than one Gary Cooper.
This one came to Hollywood with one thing on his mind.
It wasn’t stardom.

“Potent play, a triumph over stereotype… A dark, cutting and ironic vein of humour courses through the drama. ” Evening Post (for Ranterstantrum).

“Rodger meanwhile proves able to be as simultaneously tongue-in-cheek and politically astute as the likes of De La Soul and Spike Lee at their best.” Sunday Star Times (for Ranterstantrum).

“The play is a fiery challenge to decades of playwrighting.” Sunday Star Times (for Ranterstantrum).

When Victor Rodger’s My Name is Gary Cooper was first performed during Auckland Theatre Company’s THE NEXT STAGE series in 2006, it caused a sensation - immediately being hailed by audiences as the most exciting new New Zealand work to emerge in decades. Now, Auckland Theatre Company is thrilled to present the world premiere season of this daring ‘sex revenge’ drama at the Maidment Theatre from September 20 - October 13.

Wide shot – Samoa - 1952. Hollywood legend Gary Cooper sets the Island alight filming Return To Paradise "the great South Pacific adventure". Cut to - Los Angeles - 1973. A young Samoan man charms his way into the lives and hearts of a movie industry family. Close-up - Auckland - 2000. Hollywood cinema Avondale. A revival screening of Return To Paradise throws new light on a family cycle of betrayal and revenge.

Starring Robbie Magasiva in the boldest stage role of his career, My Name is Gary Cooper jumps time zones and cultural divides to challenge our gaudy Technicolor images of island life and Hollywood dreams. Erotic, funny and full of machete-sharp dialogue, one of our most daring contemporary playwrights offers a new insight into the steamy side of Paradise.

“Victor Roger is on the cutting edge of New Zealand playwriting”, says Director Roy Ward. “My Name is Gary Cooper is a unique and shockingly funny tale of sexual revenge that showcases some of New Zealand’s best Pacific Island and Palagi talents – this show is not to be missed.”

An exceptional cast of established and emerging actors will join Magasiva on stage for this production. From celebrated performers Jennifer Ward-Lealand (Decadence), Roy Snow (Some Girls), Anapela Polataivao (TVNZ’s The Market, Island Girls) and Goretti Chadwick (The Market, Frangipani Perfume); to up and coming talents Nora Aati, Liesha Ward Knox (The Bomb, Plenty) and Damien Harrison (The Tutor, Shortland Street).

Christchurch-born Victor Rodger is a playwright of Samoan and Scottish descent. His first play Sons won Chapman Tripp Awards for Best New Play and Best New Writer in 1998. He is also the author of Cunning Stunts (1997) and Ranterstantrum (2002) which was part of the International New Zealand Festival of the Arts. Since 2000 he has written for Shortland Street and also for Karaoke High.

Last year he was the Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Island Writer in Residence at the University of Hawaii, Honoulu where he worked on a film adaptation of Sons. He is currently working on an adaptation of Witi Ihimaera's novel The Uncle's Story.

Auckland Theatre Company’s production of Victor Roger’s My Name is Gary Cooper will run at the Maidment Theatre from 20 September – 13 October. Book at the Maidment Theatre 09 308 2383 or online at www.atc.co.nz

My Name is Gary Cooper
by Victor Rodger

With: Nora Aati, Goretti Chadwick, Damien Harrison, Robbie Magasiva, Anapela Polataivao, Roy Snow, Jennifer Ward-Lealand, Leisha Ward-Knox.

Direction: Roy Ward
Set Design: Mark McEntyre
Lighting Design: Brad Gledhill
Costume Design: Elizabeth Whiting
Composer/Sound Design: Eden Mulholland

Maidment Theatre
September 20 – October 13
Tuesday - Wednesday 6.30pm Thursday – Saturday 8.00pm
Matinee Saturday 6 October at 2.00pm
Sundays 4.00pm

Tickets: $25 - $54 (booking fees apply)


For further information, interview opportunities and print quality stills please contact:
Elissa Downey, Marketing & Publicity Co-ordinator, Phone 09 309 0390 x 74 or 021 1025 845 Email: elissa@atc.co.nz

Auckland Theatre Company is core funded by Creative New Zealand and Auckland City Council. The Company receives major grant funding from the Lion Foundation.


BIOGRAPHIES:

Nora Aati
Nora Aati plays the role of Teuila in My Name Is Gary Cooper. In 2006, Nora Aati graduated from Unitec with a Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts. Her theatre credits include Marat/Sade, Black Rock, Three Sisters, Coram Boy, You Can't Surf In Aotea Square, Auckland Theatre Company's NEXT STAGE Where We Once Belonged and her solo show at Herald Theatre Mapaki. Film experience includes Like Milk, Lani from the Block and the television series Ride With The Devil.

Goretti Chadwick
Goretti Chadwick plays the role of T in My Name Is Gary Cooper. Goretti Chadwick trained at Unitec's Performing Arts School in 1995. Acting highlights include Auckland Theatre Company’s productions of Wit, A Streetcar Named Desire, Rocky Horror, Doubt and its NEXT STAGE performances of Where We Once Belonged and My Name Is Gary Cooper. She has also featured in various Pacific plays, including Frangipani Perfume. Film and television acting credits include The Market, Orange Roughies and Sione's Wedding. Goretti is currently the Course Director for BEST Pacific Institute's Screen & Performing Arts Course, based at Unitec.

Damien Harrison
Damien Harrison plays the role of Joel White in My Name Is Gary Cooper. Damien is a graduate of Unitec’s Bachelor of Performing and Screen Arts degree. Film experience includes productions of The Seagull, Like Milk, Bob Davis Super Hero and Losing Morning. Damien’s theatre experience includes La Creduta Morta, Monologues, Blackrock, Still Water Rising, Last Laughs, Marat/Sade, Three Sisters, Class Act and Spinning Tales (Unitec) and The Tutor (Auckland Theatre Company). He currently plays the role of Nate Adamson on Shortland Street.

Robbie Magasiva
Robbie plays the role of Gary Cooper. Robbie’s acting career began in Wellington with recurring roles in the television series Cover Story and SKITZ. 2001 was an important year as Robbie starred in his first major film Stickmen and joined the highly successful theatre comedy team Naked Samoans which continues to tour extensively. Robbie’s other theatre experience includes the International Festival of the Arts 2002 season of Ranterstantrum and in 1998 was awarded the Best Male Newcomer Theatre Award for his role in Victor Rodger's Sons. He returned to television in two series of The Strip and in 2006 starred in the hit film Sione’s Wedding. He is currently co-presenter of TVNZ’s Pacific Affairs magazine show Tagata Pasifika. Robbie also stars in the new New Zealand Film Commission supernatural movie thriller The Tattooist which explores the exotic world of traditional Samoan tatau.

Anapela Polataivao
Since graduating from Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School Anapela has traveled overseas for work. Under the directorship of Rachel House, she spent her time in United Kingdom performing Makerita Urale’s Frangipani Perfume. In 2004, she traveled to New York with Island Divas to perform at Paradise Now?, an exhibition of both New Zealand and Pacific Islands contemporary art. She played the role of the formidable Mrs. Lima in The Markets and is also the founding member of Triangle Television Kila KoKonut Krew’s KTV, a South Auckland theatre, television and music production house based at Anapela’s family back yard.

Roy Snow
Roy Snow plays the role of Nick White in My Name Is Gary Cooper. Roy is an accomplished stage and screen actor and is best recognised to many for his role as Matt McAllister on TVNZ’s Shortland Street. He performed on stage in a number of Auckland Theatre Company productions including the smash-hit The Rocky Horror Show, High Society, Middle Aged Spread, Hair, Ladies Night, Cabaret and Death of a Salesman. Other theatre credits include Some Girls, This Is How It Goes, The Phantom Of The Opera, Les Miserables, Godspell, Blondel, Grease and The Mikado. Roy’s television experience includes appearances in Outrageous Fortune, Looking For Captain Cook, Xena Warrior Princess, Orange Roughies, National Geographic’s Journeys To The Edge and has had lead roles in several short films, including Splatter, The Incubus, Only Barmen Speak In Tongues, Gift Box, Taken Out and The Package.

Jennifer Ward-Lealand
Jennifer Ward-Lealand plays the role of Connie White in My Name Is Gary Cooper. Since training at Auckland's influential Theatre Corporate, Jennifer has become one of New Zealand's leading actresses and has worked extensively in theatre, film, television, musical and radio. Performances include Agnes of God, The Irving Berlin Show (Mercury), Cabaret (Watershed), The Real Thing, Side By Side by Sondheim (Centrepoint), The Threepenny Opera (Downstage), Tell Me On A Sunday (APO), Into The Woods, The Graduate, The Bach, Twelfth Night (Auckland Theatre Company), Pinter's Old Times and the tile role of Marlene Dietrich in the sell-out production of Marlene ([potent pause] Productions), The Goat and Berlin (Silo Theatre). In 1989/90, she toured New Zealand (NZ) and internationally with The Front Lawn and in the mid 90s she moved to Australia to appear in the comedy television series Full Frontal. Jennifer's film and television work includes The Footstep Man, Desperate Remedies, The Ugly, Fracture, Linda's Body, Xena: Warrior Princess, Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Duggan and Interrogation. Awards include Best Actress (Sitges, Spain) for Desperate Remedies; Best Actress (GOFTA, NZ) for Danny And Raewyn; Best Theatrical Performer (NZ Entertainment Awards); The Evening Standard Best Actress Award for Breaking The Silence (Centrepoint Theatre); and most recently Best New Zealand Actress in the Metro Readers' Poll for her role as Stevie in Edward Albee's The Goat. Jennifer has been touring her cabaret Falling In Love Again to arts festivals throughout NZ and Australia since 2005, most recently performing in The Famous Spiegeltent for AK07 and a sellout season at Downstage Theatre. Jennifer was awarded an ONZM for Services to Theatre and the Community in the New Years Honours List and was recently elected President of NZ Actors Equity.

Liesha Ward Knox
Liesha plays the role of Jennifer. My Name Is Gary Cooper is Liesha's debut performance for Auckland Theatre Company. Trained at Unitec School Of Performing and Screen Arts, Liesha onscreen acting credits include the feature film Hidden as well as roles on Shortland Street and Mercy Peak. Her recent theatre credits include Bad Jelly The Witch, Plenty, Cymbeline, Undine and Orpheus Descending. As a founding member of the burgeoning theatre company Phundmi Productions, Liesha recently performed and co-produced Shakespeare Unbar’d, a delightful show aimed at bringing theatre to the people.
 

Writer relishes three-month residency in Hawai'i
04 October 2007 - Source: Creative New Zealand Press Release
 
Christchurch writer Sarona Aiono-Iosefa is using her time at the University of Hawai'i as the recipient of the 2007 Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writers' Residency to write a novella for young adults called O Se Mea e Tatau.

"I have always had to put everything else before my writing and yet I have somehow managed to get published and continue writing," she says.

"I'm loving the time this Hawai'i residency is providing - in particular, the ability to access one of the world's largest Pacific collection at the Hamilton Library. It's given me a rare window into everyday Samoan life before the arrival of the missionaries in 1830. This has provided a good foundation for my novella, which is set in Samoa's rich past."

Aiono-Iosefa's novella is about a Samoan family in the nineteenth century who practise and are guardians of the tatau (traditional Samoan tattoo). The story is woven around the impact of Christianity on this traditional Samoan family and some of the choices it makes.

"I want this novel to get young people asking questions about their history and to be curious about it," she says. "That way, you become an informed participant in life rather than accepting everything without question."

Bringing up her children in New Zealand, Aiono-Iosefa was concerned at the lack of books that her children could relate to. She began writing for her children so they could read stories about Samoan culture.

She has written ten books for children over the past decade, many of them published in several Pacific Island languages. Her first English-language book for the commercial market, Two Cans of Corned Beef and a Manulele in a Mango Tree (Reed Publishing) is a Polynesian version of the song The Twelve Days of Christmas. Other work includes The Pipi Swing, a story for children aged eight to 12, and the story Blackcurrant Jam, which is included in the anthology Out of the Deep.

Based at the Centre for Pacific Studies at the University of Hawai'i, the three-month residency is a partnership between Creative New Zealand, Fulbright New Zealand and the university. It includes return airfares, accommodation costs and an artist stipend of NZ$6000 per month.

Previous recipients are filmmaker Sima Urale (2004), performance poet Tusiata Avia (2005), and filmmaker and playwright Victor Rodger (2006).
 

Maori TV secures world title boxing fight in Russia
03 October 2007 - Source: Maori Television Press Release
 
Maori Television has secured the live broadcast rights to the biggest boxing event ever to be staged in Russia when Sultan Ibragimov squares off against living legend Evander Holyfield on Sunday October 14 from 12.00PM (NZ time).

In the biggest heavyweight event of 2007, unbeaten WBO heavyweight champion Ibragimov defends his crown for the first time against Holyfield at the state-of-the-art Khodynka Ice Palace in Moscow.

The line-up also includes New Zealand cruiserweight boxing champion Mohamed Azzaoui who will defend his IBF Pan Pacific title against Henry Saenz of Nicaragua. Algerian-born Azzaoui, who has had 19 fights for 17 wins and two draws, now lives in the far North. He has been sparring with heavyweight contender Shane Cameron and has headed to London to finish his preparation by sparring with Britain's No 1 contender David Haye.

A 2000 Olympic silver medalist for Russia, Ibragimov (21-0-1, 17 KOs) struck heavyweight gold in June when he decisively decisioned Shannon Briggs over 12 rounds to win the WBO heavyweight championship. Winning the heavyweight crown was the culmination of a journey that began in Dagestan and which led him to wins over Al Cole, Lance Whitaker and Javier Mora. Now the 32-year old will return home to face a boxing icon.

Holyfield (42-8-2, 27 KOs), a four-time world heavyweight champion and former undisputed world cruiserweight champion, has already carved out a place for himself in boxing’s Hall of Fame with a stellar career which includes wins over Mike Tyson, George Foreman, Larry Holmes, Riddick Bowe, Michael Moorer, John Ruiz and Hasim Rahman. But ‘The Real Deal’ has plenty of fight left and currently riding an impressive four fight winning streak, Holyfield is eager to once again fight for the world heavyweight crown.

Tune into this historic bout as Holyfield fights in Russia for the first time in his professional career and tries to make history by taking Ibragimov’s heavyweight title when Maori Television screens this international boxing event on Sunday October 14 from 12.00PM (NZ time).
 

Advertising-free TVNZ 6 launches on Freeview
02 October 2007 - Source: TVNZ Press Release
 
TVNZ 6, New Zealand's first advertising-free public service television channel, started broadcasting at 10am, Sunday on Freeview.

TVNZ 6 will feature between 50 percent and 70 percent local content, with no advertising.

TVNZ CEO Rick Ellis said that having a channel free from advertising-driven ratings pressures makes it possible to give the channel a more distinctive Kiwi flavour than any channel before it.

"We'll be screening far more quality local programmes in primetime. Around 70 percent of all programming after 4:30 will be local content. That's more than New Zealanders have seen before and it makes a very distinctive viewing experience. It really is TV with a kiwi accent," Mr Ellis said.

Programming on TVNZ 6 is divided between three services:

TVNZ Kidzone 6:00 am 4:30 pm
Quality educational TV programmes for preschoolers. 50% local content.

TVNZ Family 4:30pm 8:30pm
Programmes selected on the criteria that the whole family will want to watch them together. 50% local content.

TVNZ Showcase 8:30pm midnight
More challenging drama, arts and comedy programmes for adults. 70% local content.

TVNZ had commissioned new local content for each of the three services. Mr Ellis said forming partnerships with other organisations had been a distinctive feature of the new channel's approach.

"We've been looking for partner organisations that share the same public service values as TVNZ 6. We've made a fantastic series with the Department of Conservation called Meet the Locals about New Zealand's wild things, wild places and the people that protect them. Plus, we're planning for other series with Plunket."

TVNZ will launch a second channel carrying documentary, news and factual programmes called TVNZ 7 on Freeview in March 2008.

For more information, visit the TVNZ6 website: http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tvnz_6_index_skin/tvnz_6_index_group 
 

Jonah Lomu to attend "Whence We Came" opening
01 October 2007 - Source: Ashton Grove Press Release
 
Ashton Grove proudly presents an exhibition combining the talents of four young New Zealand artists. ‘Whence We Came’ celebrates a young New Zealand, both in pre-European time and in the birth of our country as we know it.

Artists exhibiting are:

Sofia Minson: Sofia’s bold yet finely detailed oil paintings are inspired by her deep respect for the land and mythology of Aotearoa. By exploring the ancient people and legends from a contemporary perspective, Sofia discovers and strengthens an important link with her own Maori heritage. Sofia has exhibited in Europe, the USA and extensively throughout New Zealand. She has won two national art awards, and has graduated with an Art and Design degree.

Sandy Rodgers: Sandy combines her twin interests of Maori Mythology and early New Zealand history to create mixed media paintings which exude a deep sense of historical importance. The inspiration of design comes from the earliest NZ maps and postage stamps. Sandy’s research notes lie beneath layers of smoky shellac and paper which is then worked over with fine Maori and European designs. Each piece comes with a wax sealed envelope filled with the notes and detailed information which is represented on the painting.

Ian McMillan: A well known character in his home of Parnell, Ian has spent many years studying the meanings depicted in Maori carving. He stays true to tradition, using only hand tools to produce wood carvings that express Maori mythology, focusing mainly on the story of creation. His pieces on display will include an intricately carved, 2.4m long Waka Taua (war canoe), and a Taurapa (stern post) standing over 2.0m tall. Ian also creates smaller scale carvings, such as traditional Waka Huia (feather boxes) which will also be on display. Ian has exhibited his work extensively both in New Zealand and internationally.

Sarah Thomas: Originally from the South Island, where she studied sculpture, Sarah now lives in Wellington. Exploring the polarities of owning and belonging to the land, she uses painting and installation to express her connection to this land. In this latest series of paintings, entitled “Occupied”, plants are used as metaphors for Maori and European cultures. Native plant species sit alongside gorse, which Sarah uses to represent European colonial occupation of New Zealand. She reminds us that despite its status as noxious weed, gorse is also a nursery plant for native regeneration. The “Occupied” series represents the tying together of cultures in modern day Aotearoa.

In addition, there will be a silent charity auction held on opening night.

Each of the exhibiting artists has kindly commissioned a piece to donate, and Ashton Grove will provide a French provincial hall table, hand-crafted in oak.

The proceeds of the auction will be donated to Kidney Kids, a non-profit organization helping New Zealand children who suffer from kidney disorders and their families. The “team” at Kidney Kids of NZ is made up entirely of parents of children who have kidney disorders. As its patron of more than a decade, Jonah Lomu will be attending on opening night, to encourage high bids!

Opening night: Friday November 2nd 6pm – 9pm
Exhibition runs until November 30th
Ashton Grove, 2 Railway St, Newmarket
For more information, call: (09) 529-519 
 

All Blacks thrash Romania to finish pool play unbeaten
30 September 2007 - Source: The Canadian Press
 
New Zealand ran in 13 tries in an 85-8 romp over Romania, completing its pool phase in the Rugby World Cup in style on Saturday.

The tournament favourite All Blacks, who face Argentina, France or Ireland in the quarter-finals in Cardiff next weekend, finished with 46 tries and 309 points from their four games. They are the only team in the cup's 20-year history to win all their group matches.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry admitted he was a little worried that they hadn't been truly tested yet.

"In the back of your mind you're always concerned when it comes to knockout rugby. New Zealand's been involved in the knockout (stage) for 20 years and we haven't survived," Henry said.
Joe Rokocoko scored a hat trick of tries and there were pairs for fellow winger Sitiveni Sivivatu and centre Isaia Toeava in an All Blacks performance of cool efficiency and far more precision than that shown in the error-prone win over Scotland a week ago.

"Romania played with passion and a physical presence, put heat on our scrum and tackle ball, and lived on the offside line, but we still scored some outstanding tries and overall we're pretty pleased," Henry said.

New Zealand and Romania hadn't met in 26 years - before six starting All Blacks and four Romanians were born - and any intrigue vanished within 38 seconds of the kickoff with New Zealand's first try.

The All Blacks initially appeared to trap themselves when fly half Luke McAlister didn't make a clearing kick from inside his 22 and looked for support, then Rokocoko found himself crowded on his right wing. But Rokocoko swung inside, McAlister suddenly broke into space up the middle, and scrum half Andy Ellis was in support and gave Sivivatu a free sprint to the line.

The conversion by McAlister, a late callup for an injured Dan Carter, hit the post but the All Blacks were in gear.

Lock Keith Robinson, the last of the All Blacks squad to appear in the World Cup because of a calf injury, was put to work straight away as the main lineout target. His catches launched New Zealand's next three tries in an eight-minute span.

Ellis broke off a ruck and Chris Masoe was on his inside to cross in the 10th. Five minutes later, captain Jerry Collins flicked a pass between his legs, and fullback Nick Evans came into the line to see Rokocoko into the right corner. Soon after, Evans scored and made it 24-0.

As the crowd entertained itself with songs, clapping and waves, Romania began to claim more than crumbs of ball and pound the All Blacks, who didn't give an inch easily.

Opting for a lineout close to the line rather than a penalty kick, Cristian Petre claimed the throw, Sorin Socol took it to the line and hooker Marius Tincu, who also scored a try in the 14-10 victory over Portugal on Tuesday, drove over McAlister for a score that raised the biggest cheer from the crowd of 35,608.

"We're happy in a way, we didn't end up with zero points," Socol said. "Compared with the Scotland match (lost 42-0), even though we lost today by a big score we played with ambition."
Just before halftime, Aaron Mauger worked a scissors move with midfield partner Toeava, who drew the defence to give Mauger the All Blacks' sixth try and a 36-5 lead into the interval.

Seven minutes after they resumed, Toeava was over from a tap penalty, and McAlister converted before being replaced.

Play began to become scrappy in the cool afternoon air, and the All Blacks picked up only after an injection of regulars Richie McCaw, Chris Jack and Doug Howlett, who featured in some sweeping moves out of their own half.

Rokocoko finished off a run down the blindside from No. 8 Sione Lauaki, followed by tries for replacement hooker Andrew Hore, and Rokocoko again after a nice back flip by Collins. That made it 64-5 when Romania elected for a penalty kick to try and limit New Zealand scoring below 70, as the Oaks had hoped. Florin Vlaicu put the kick over but the All Blacks scored three more tries with some dazzling stepping.

Substitute centre Conrad Smith crossed, Howlett nailed his sixth of the tournament, and Toeava's last try was in injury time. Evans, who continually ghosted through the defence, took over the goalkicking and fly half spot from McAlister and made all six of his conversions, somewhat easing concerns over Carter's fitness for the quarter-finals.

"We're not panicking (over Carter's injury), Henry said, "now that we've got two other players there who can do the business."
 

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