Many of the flags and banners that will provide much of the colour for the 2011 Rugby World Cup being held in New Zealand are going to be made in Tauranga.
Mount Maunganui digital printing company Textiles Alive is part of a joint venture with Auckland company Flagz Group, which has won a contract to supply flags and banners for the event.

Textiles Alive director Wayne Heyworth holds aloft one of the RWC banners his business is making.

Textiles Alive director John Heyworth is predicting the company will significantly grow and new jobs will be created as of result of the contract, but says it is still early days.
'We don't really know what to expect. We are still in the stage of communicating with all the stakeholders.”
John says the combination of the two companies creates a formidable resource of flags industry knowledge and experience supported by resources exclusive to the venture.

Nicky Burich sews a 2011 RWC banner.

'The venture will provide many opportunities for New Zealand organisations and private individuals to express their support of Rugby World Cup 2011 via a sustained campaign of flag and banner communication and decoration.”
'It may also generate significant business for organisations associated with the flags and banners industry,” says John.