A song used to promote the 2011 Rugby World Cup has been released, angering those who feel a good old-fashioned New Zealand tune would have been appropriate.
Instead, tournament organisers have plumped for a British song - albeit covered by New Zealand band The Feelers.
Right Here, Right Now was originally recorded by Jesus Jones in the 1990s and the cover version will be used in television and radio commercials worldwide to promote the New Zealand hosted tournament.
Prime Minister John Key says he doesn't believe New Zealand music has missed an opportunity to have a homegrown song ring around the world.
However, entertainer and poet Gary McCormick says he is so angry about the choice he will start a campaign against it.
"For how long are New Zealanders going to be covers band people? We've been covers band people for the English Empire, for the American Empire, from the influence of Australia. Let's not be a covers band this time.
"This is our one function - we're a rugby playing nation. Let's choose our song and do it the way we want it."
Mr McCormick says there are plenty of adequate New Zealand options and he will personally lobby for Dave Dobbyn's Loyal to be used instead.
The Rugby World Cup will be held from 9 September until 23 October 2011.
RWC boss defends choice
Rugby World Cup chief executive Martin Snedden defended the choice of song, sayingRight Here Right Now will be used for promotional means, but is not the official anthem.
Mr Snedden told Morning Report on Wednesday that The World in Union is the anthem which has been used for past four or five Rugby World Cups and will continue to be used in 2011.
He says there is a "huge amount" of work that will be done throughout the tournament that will result in New Zealand being showcased, including New Zealand music.
