Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Wellington readies for the Sevens

Updated at 9:11 am on 2 February 2012

Hobbits, pirates, giant flamingoes and monopoly board pieces will be on Wellington streets on Friday for the Rugby Sevens.

The two day tournament is one of the biggest events of the year and has a reputation for being the most colourful on the Sevens circuit, drawing a crowd of 35,000 decked out in a myriad of costumes.

The spirit of the tournament has even captured the heart of a city businessman.

Museum Hotel owner Chris Parkin is giving away $25,000 in prize money for the best costumes.

He says effort and lateral thinking is what judges will be looking for.

One example may be a group of 28 Wellington fans dressing as huge Monopoly board pieces - but with a twist.

This version is the global financial crisis edition, where life is down in the doldrums at every street, hotel and station.

Another group has been a regular at the Sevens for the past four years, going as Baywatch lifeguards, trolls and smurfs.

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