A new mascot for Hastings has been born, and his founders have decided to let the public name him.
Hastings City Business Association general manager Jane Janes said staff found the mascot, a giant rugby ball, when they turned up for work today.
"We arrived at work this morning andfound him on the doorstep, so we are going to adopt him but he doesn't have a first name," she said.
"His last name is going to be Heart, as in the heart of Hawke's Bay."
Mrs Janes said the ball was sure he needed to be part of the up and coming Rugby World Cup, but she had to break the news to him he could not be an All Black.
"He wants to play for the All Blacks so I had to tell him he can't," she said. "Now he wants to represent Hastings at the Rugby World Cup and be part of the welcoming committee for visitors."
The association's event manager Andrea Taaffe said the ball was going to entertain citizens and visitors during the next few months as cup fever grips the city.
Mrs Janes said names should match the mascot's cheeky and lovable persona, and also reflect the city he regards as his own.
