Great family day out at sevens (+pics)

ACC ambassador All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder signs 11-year-old Gideon Lasaga's jersey at the Bayleys National Sevens. Photo/Ben Fraser

It was an action-packed weekend at the Bayleys National Sevens competition - and among the hundreds of spectators the kids were having a ball.

Lynmore dad Aaron Randell took his daughters Ashleigh, 8, and Claire, 6, to the final day of play at the Rotorua International Stadium yesterday.

"The day has gone really well considering the weather, and there were good activities for the kids," Mr Randell said.

"Ashleigh's into rugby. She'll sit and watch a full All Blacks match with me, so she's watched some games [at the sevens] while Claire is here for the candyfloss and fun."

Mr Randell said his girls were excited to get autographs from the ACC ambassadors, All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder and Olympic silver medallist and women's sevens captain Sarah Goss, during a signing session yesterday afternoon.

Also getting autographs were Gideon Lasaga, 11, and Kele Lasaga, 10. Their dad, Ben Lasaga, said it was the first time the Tauranga-based family had come to the tournament in Rotorua.

"It's been a good day out for the kids, and has been cool seeing the New Zealand stars and representatives."

At The Hits Whanau Zone brand engagement manager Kat Hicks said there had been a steady stream of people over the weekend.

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"There's been a great array of activities, including colouring-in and the iHeart photo booth. It's good to see the rain doesn't seem to have affected the amount of fun the kids are having."

ACC sports injury prevention manager Isaac Carlson said it had been awesome to see so many families check out the action.

"It's been fantastic having Sarah Goss and Nehe Milner-Skudder here, top athletes sharing their tips. At ACC we want to see people preparing well for a sport, and active lifestyle."

Amanda Thompson, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union media and marketing manager, said overall it had been a great weekend with plenty of support for the teams and players.

"It's been a great turnout from the crowd. The weather hasn't turned people away, it's been a good day for all.

"There has been great talent on display, which has drawn the crowd in."