Children and stores embrace the great white-out

Photo / Supplied

Auckland's shopping mecca, Newmarket, has organised a white-out before tomorrow morning's All Whites match with Paraguay.

Stores have filled their windows with white-themed displays, cafes are selling white cupcakes and a local primary school has ditched its uniforms today in favour of white clothing.

University student Helen Griffen made a "Go All Whites" sign and two giant hanging soccer balls for the window of her mother's furniture business, Trees Company.

"We just thought [the All Whites] were like the Jamaican bobsled team," she said. "We're probably going to get caned, but that's all right."

Ms Griffen's brother is in New York and has been watching the football games online.

He told his family there had been greatly increased interest in the All Whites since their draw with Italy.

"We're all behind the All Whites changing the face of soccer," said mother Libby Griffen. "New Zealand's profile has skyrocketed."

In Nuffield St, mannequins at fashion store Alannah Hill were dressed entirely in white and cream.

Employee Irina Mishina,who created the display, said they were receiving positive comments fromcustomers.

The chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association, Cameron Brewer, encouraged others to join the white-out.

"It doesn't necessarily cost anyone anything. Not only business districts but residents, schools and communities can get behind it."

Mr Brewer acknowledged dressing in white could come as a shock "because we've been conditioned for over a century as a country of All Blacks".

SOCCER FEVER SWEEPING NATION

World Cup fever is setting in as Kiwi fans of the beautiful game are increasing. A recent poll showed 36 per cent of New Zealanders have been more interested in the All Whites' progress at the World Cup than the All Blacks' tests against Ireland and Wales.

A similar 34 per cent said they had more of an interest in the All Whites' World Cup quest than the All Blacks' performance in the Tri-Nations.

While not total converts to football, Kiwis continue to have a greater interest in rugby overall, the poll found 88 per cent were either already interested in soccer or had a particular interest in the All Whites at the World Cup.

However Kiwi's aren't confident our boys will bring the cup back home, with only 3 per cent of participants backing the All Whites to win the competition. Brazil were considered favourites with Germany and Argentina the other top contenders.