Rotorua will get a unique insight into the spirit, passion, and proud history of the Maori All Blacks thanks to an exhibition supported by a $10,000 Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust grant.
The Tima Tangata Maori All Blacks Exhibition opens at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Wednesday and will run
until June 23.
It is part of the festivities surrounding the game between the Maori All Blacks and British & Irish Lions in Rotorua on June 17.
Exhibition organiser Tiki Edwards said there would also be the opportunity for people to meet past Maori All Blacks who will share personal experiences and provide insight on what being a Maori All Black means to them.
The exhibition was originally showcased at the 2011 Rugby World Cup with thousands visiting the exhibition.
Entry is a gold coin for adults and free for children.
"It's a great chance for locals to see it. The exhibition provides a fascinating insight into how the Maori All Blacks have made a huge impact on the sporting landscape of Aotearoa (New Zealand)," said Mr Edwards.
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chief executive Mike Rogers said the exhibition wouldn't have been possible without the support of the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.
"We are grateful for the funding we have received from the trust to provide the community and rugby supporters alike with the opportunity to embrace the exhibition."
Rotorua Trust chairman Stewart Edward said the trust was excited to play a role in festivities around the upcoming game and to help make the exhibition accessible to the local community.
The $10,000 grant for the exhibition is one of 34 grants, totalling $244,659, which the trust has approved in the past two months across a range of areas including the arts, culture and heritage, sports and recreation, health, and community activities.
It also provided $3000 towards operating costs for Tui Ridge and Victim Support.
Some of the other grants include $15,000 to help Rotorua Special Olympics travel to the national championships, $10,000 to Te Arawa Pouako I Te Reo Society for the secondary school kapa haka competition, and $20,000 to the Rotorua Community Youth Centre to help run programmes.
"The trust is a community-focused not-for-profit organisation with the aim of creating a better Rotorua for all. The wide range of grants handed out over the past two months reflects that," said Mr Edward.