Kiwis can't blow vuvuzelas
Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:56
Not wanted in New Zealand: Fans and their vuvuzelas
Vuvuzelas, which came into prominence in the Super 14 play-offs and now also feature in the soccer World Cup, have struck a wrong cord with New Zealand - who will ban the instrument from next year's World Cup.
According to the Rugby World Cup website, "airhorns or sound amplifiers, including loudhailers" and "musical instruments" and "whistles" are prohibited from next year's World Cup venues.
The horns, a South African phenomenon, have been selling worldwide since the start of the soccer World Cup.
Officials in Christchurch are also considering a ban on vuvuzelas.
According to The Press website, Chief Executive Bryan Pearson said a decision would be made before the Bledisloe Cup match between New Zealand and Australia on August 7.
"We haven't made any decisions. We would be concerned about the potential for them to spoil the experience for fans at the stadiums," he said.
"Given the experience at the soccer World Cup, I can't see that that sort of deafening drone is going to be in any way well received by fans at AMI Stadium."
The vuvuzela, also known as lepatata (its Tswana name), is typically a 65cm plastic blowing horn that produces a loud, distinctive monotone note. A similar instrument, known as the corneta, is used in Brazil and other Latin American countries.
Many types of vuvuzela, made by several manufacturers, may produce varying intensity and frequency outputs. The intensity of these outputs depends on the blowing technique and pressure exerted.
Traditionally made and inspired from a kudu horn, the vuvuzela was used to summon distant villagers to attend community gatherings.
The vuvuzela is mostly used at soccer matches in South Africa, but took on a new life when the Bulls moved their Super 14 semifinal and Final matches against the Crusaders and Stormers to the Orlando Stadium in Soweto.
And their fans took a fancy to the instrument, using it with gusto in the play-offs and it has now become a worldwide phenomena.