Kiwi House in London has been formally blessed by New Zealand Olympic Team kaumatua, Amster Reedy, this afternoon in a ceremony featuring a Ngati Ranana kapa haka performance especially designed to remind United Kingdom-based Kiwis of home.
The blessing took place just before the kick-off of the London Olympic Games Football tournament featuring New Zealand against Great Britain. Invited guests will stay on and cheer on the New Zealand Olympic Team as they watch the live SKY television feed.
Kiwi House will open to the public on the 27th of July and will showcase the very best of New Zealand food, beverage, entertainment and sport. Internationally renowned New Zealand chef, Peter Gordon, will be the inspiration behind the menu. The venue, located in the heart of Kings Cross, will be a haven for friends and supporters of the New Zealand team and international visitors alike.
New Zealand athletes will stop by to show off their medals at lunchtimes and, in the evenings, visitors can enjoy Kiwi entertainment from well-known New Zealand acts including stand-up Jarred Christmas, singer/songwriter Hollie Smith and musician Tim Walker, son of Olympic legend Sir John Walker.
New Zealands Kiwi House will be the only location in the UK to air the New Zealand Olympic broadcast from SKY. On the menu at Kiwi House will be the infamous flat white from Allpress Espresso and a classic barbeque designed by Peter Gordon, in conjunction with BaxterStorey caterers.
Especially imported Moa beer will be on tap and New Zealand wine available. Kiwi House will host its own Opening and Closing Ceremony parties too.
National Houses are an integral and historic part of the Olympic Games and serve as valuable tourism and investment hubs as well as a place for friends and fans to gather.
Kiwi House is centrally located at the heart of the Olympic transport system near St Pancras/Kings Cross Station, just five minutes walk from the Javelin high speed train that takes passengers direct to Olympic Park. The venue capacity is 500 and tickets will be limited.
Tickets go on sale today including the Kiwi House Gold Pass and special event tickets. The Kiwi House Gold Pass ensures priority entry for pass holders and is available for purchase from www.nz2012.com for 50 for the duration of Kiwi House.
Visitors without a Kiwi House Gold Pass will pay GBP5.00 for standard entry.
Prices for special events, including Hollie Smith, Jarred Christmas and the Closing Party, vary. The Opening Ceremony Party has sold out.
