By MATTHEW TORBIT
Rugby may be our national obsession, but for some the World Cup is proving to be a slight headache.
As the tournament gathers momentum across the ditch, the effects are being felt in day-to-day life throughout New Zealand.
Some businesses have noticed a downturn and schools are bracing themselves
for an increase in drowsiness among students who stay up to watch the games.
Mt Albert Grammar School principal Greg Taylor said he would not be surprised if "heads began to nod in class" as interest in the tournament grew.
Village Cinemas marketing manager Lisa Chambers said there had been a recent downturn in cinema-goers.
"The World Cup has so far had a negative impact on our business. The reality is rugby is a national obsession."
Ms Chambers said Village cinemas were playing selected World Cup games live on the big screen. "We have enough screens to cater for those who want to get away from the rugby."
Rialto Cinemas complex manager Paul Rose said his business had felt the impact after the "ludicrous amount of sport" on television over the weekend, and the recent spell of fine weather.
The onset of spring has also brought gardeners out in numbers despite the competing attentions of grass paddocks with white lines.
Palmers Gardenworld Remuera manager Murray Hutchins said he expected there would be some quiet afternoons when important games were played.
"As we get closer to the finals the wives might like to get out of the house," he added.
TVNZ spokeswoman Diana Schnauer said ratings for the tournament were higher than initial expectations.
Almost a quarter of the population watched the first All Black game two weeks ago, against Italy.
As most of the matches were played late in the evening New Zealand time, there had been little disruption to programming.
"We are just fortunate that Coronation Street doesn't coincide with any of the games."
Full World Cup coverage
