Archie shows he really is a good egg

I went to a chook farm to get assessed because people kept teasing me about being an egg.

Hi, my name is Archie (Archibald Hastings-Heart, of Hawke's Bay) and I was officially adopted by the Hastings City Business Association last week, which was very exciting.

I love being a Hastings citizen and it's really exciting being a part of the Rugby World Cup celebrations. For those who are not quite sure what I am here for I thought this column would be a great opportunity to explain.

I am going to do everything I can to promote Hastings as a fantastic city and Hawke's Bay an awesome region during the RWC. I am a loveable, happy chap ( like the people of Hastings) with a big heart who is very proud of where I live and want to do as much as I can to tell the world all about us while the RWC is on.

After that I will be getting into all sorts of other mischief so keep an eye out for me.

Some of you may already have met me, or seen me around Hawke's Bay.

I've been to Napier, Havelock North, and in the Hastings CBD heaps. I met the folk from Age Concern and some awesome kindy kids. I also went to the under-15s Rugby Tourny (that was cool) and to the new netball courts in Percival Rd - they are just amazing!

Oh, I nearly forgot, I went to a chook farm to get assessed because people kept teasing me about being an egg and, guess what?I didn't fit the criteria! Apparently eggs are not made of leather and don't wear boots. This confirms 100 per cent I am all rugby ball (well, who knows what will happen at Easter).

Earlier this week I walked around town and was really happy to see everyone getting ready for the Rugby World Cup, decorating their windows and the inside of their stores. Makes me proud to be a part of this wonderful region.

Lastly, I just want to say a BIG thank you to everyone who has helped me so far to become an All Black. Even if this is a distant dream, one day you just never know so watch out Sonny Bill!

And nice to see some positive txts in the paper today...

TXTs to the Editor

Go the Rugby Ball Mascot - what a cool dude! A R Chie

Hastings' new mascot is great - always a big smile on his dial. Arch

Great to see Hastings getting into the spirit of RWC with a massive mascot! Mr Heart

What a loveable, gentle character Archie the mascot is - sad to see negative nellies. Mr H of Hastings