KEY POINTS:
New Zealand's lead-up to the Rugby World Cup has begun in earnest with the launch of a campaign to build a giant rugby ball-shaped venue in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Prime Minister Helen Clark announced the plan today, saying the project would help raise New Zealand's profile during the international sporting event.
"This is a bold and innovative move; an example of New Zealand's new thinking, and an example of a small country out to make a big impression.
"Just as we have leveraged off Lord of the Rings, the America's Cup regattas and Team New Zealand for the benefit of our trade and tourism and the overall New Zealand brand, so a similar programme will be taking place alongside the Rugby World Cup in France as the All Blacks compete," Helen Clark said.
From early October for about three weeks, the 12 metre high and 25 metre long structure, will stand on the Champs de Mars, close to France's iconic Eiffel Tower.
Over 40,000 people are expected to experience a "virtual" New Zealand by visiting the venue while in Paris, but many more will pass by.
Last year, 6.7 million people visited the Eiffel Tower.
"This is a major undertaking for New Zealand and it has been a coup to secure such a high profile spot. We are very grateful for the help and support of the Parisian authorities, in particular the Mayor of Paris Mr Bertrand Delanoe," Helen Clark said.
New Zealand rugby ball venue
* The venue was designed by Mike Mizrahi and his team at Inside Out Productions.
* It holds up to 220 people and is housed in an inflatable structure standing 25 metres long by 15 metres wide and 12 metres high.
* It will take three days to construct.
* The total project cost for the venue is $4.6 million to construct and operate.
* The structure will be situated close to the Eiffel Tower on Paris' Champs de Mar.
* It will be managed by Tourism New Zealand.
