The New Zealand Olympic campaign got underway today.
The Football Ferns fought gallantly to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of hosts Great Britain at Millennium Stadium in Cardiff today the first sporting encounter of the XXX Olympiad.
It was the same result when the two nations met at the world cup last year.
The New Zealand team had their chances early in the game and then aq gilt-edged opportunity to tie the game late in the second spell.
It was not to be and they will be chasing key points in their remaining two pool matches, in Cardiff and Coventry.
Meanwhile in London the NZOCs NZ House was blessed by kaumatua Amster Reedy and opened in a ceremony featuring a Ngati Ranana kapa haka performance especially designed to remind United Kingdom-based Kiwis of home.
Kiwi House will showcase the 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.
Meanwhile the New Zealand swimming team stars Glenn Snyders, Gareth Kean and Lauren Boyle spoke with confidence about their chances at their official media conference today.
All spoke about the benefit of attending their second Olympic Games. The trio have five performances between them ranked in the top 10 in the world this year and hoping to produce best times and improve world rankings further over the coming week.
Tomorrow is a big day for the team with the official announcement of the flagbearer live on breakfast television in New Zealand to all three networks TV1, TV3 and Prime at a lavish function in Whitehall.
The New Zealand is all-but complete tomorrow evening when the cycling road and track teams arrive into the village.
Friday is the opening ceremony ahead of a busy first day of official action on Saturday with New Zealanders in swimming, rowing, equestrian, road cycling and the womens football team have their second match.
