Ceremonies set stage for test matches

The Oceania Cup was officially opened yesterday with a pōwhiri at the Whakaahurangi Marae where manuhiri were officially welcomed by tangata whenua.

Representatives from all participating teams were present, along with Stratford District mayor Neil Volzke, councillors, Stratford District Council chief executive officer Matt O'Mara, members of Hockey New Zealand and other invited guests.

Teams have come from Fiji, Australia, Samoa and New Zealand as well an invitational NZ team and will be playing all their matches on the hockey turf at the TET Stadium in Stratford.

The first games are being playing today and getting the the action under way is the Australia Men v Fiji match at 11.30am.

For New Zealand hockey fans, tomorrow is a big day with a key match between the New Zealand Men and Australia. New Zealand have to win the match, and the tournament, to qualify for a place at next year's Olympic Games. The Black Sticks Women have already claimed their place at the Rio Olympics.

While the main action will be taking place on the turf, there is also plenty happening on the sidelines, with a shop window display competition being held in town and a thriving "village green" area around the turf.

On the weekend, the village green will include a bouncy castle and slide for the younger spectators and on Sunday it will host a market. The Seaside Market normally takes place in New Plymouth but is relocating for the day to Stratford.

There is also plenty of opportunity to pick up a stick and "have a go" yourself, with games of "Renegade" taking place on the village green. This five-a-side game will give players a great workout and everyone is welcome to come along and have go.

There will also be a speed camera set up for people to try knocking a hockey ball across the turf and clocking the speed at which it travels.

Music-wise, The Lady Killers will be putting on a power-packed show from 3.15pm on Saturday. Other bands and entertainers including Ash & Aidan and Brendan Chase will also be performing.

The finals on Sunday will be streamed live on Sky Sport and organisers are hoping to see the stands packed with supporters cheering on their team, showing the world that Stratford has lots of hockey fans.

Don't forget to grab your free official souvenir guide to take along to the games. It has lots of useful information, plus space to collect player signatures. If you need an extra copy call into the Stratford Press office and collect one.