Overview
Rita Ora has been spotted out and about around Aotearoa recently thanks to her relationship with our own Taika Waititi — and it seems she's taking her role as an adopted New Zealander seriously. In a headline announcement that we didn't see coming, the British pop star will be taking to the stage on day one of the Women's Rugby World Cup 2021 — set to be held this year after last year's postponement.
Maybe you want to see our women's rugby team go head-to-head with Australia in an epic clash — or maybe you just want to see Ora perform such bangers as 'Body on Me' and 'I Will Never Let You Down'. Hey, both are excellent reasons to get along to the opening match at Eden Park on Saturday, October 8. This might just be the incentive needed to drag along any supporters who might be less than enthusiastic about the country's favourite game.
Ora will perform two sets during the first day of the national sports event: one at the end of the opening Fiji v England match and again at half-time of the Australia v New Zealand match.
But don't worry, the party won't peak too soon. On the lineup with Ora is a stacked set of local acts. New Zealand's leading electronic supergroup Shapeshifter will headline the semi-finals at Eden Park on Saturday, November 5 — the first time they've played at the Mount Eden stadium.
And round things off, acclaimed home-grown songstress Benee is coming home to Auckand to perform during the finals at Eden Park on Saturday, November 12.
All acts will be performing on a purpose-built stage between the North and East stands at Eden Park. In addition, a festival of Māori and Pasifika culture including food, entertainment and music will be spread throughout the stadium.
The best part? Tickets are cheap as chips, in an effort to inspire fans to get down to the stadium and support our wahine toa just as strongly as we support the guys. Ticket prices start at $5 for kids and $10 for adults — you won't get along to too many music gigs for that cheap, let alone a sports-music mashup for the ages.
Rugby World Cup 2021 is taking place in New Zealand from October 8 until November 12. For more information and to purchase tickets, head to the official website.