Rubik’s Speed-Cubing is coming to New Zealand with the first official championships to be held in Australasia taking place in Te Papa’s Wellington Foyer on 18 July from 10am–4pm.

 Speed-Cubing is a colourful and exciting spectator sport based around solving the famous Rubik’s Cube against the clock. In addition to the regular speed-solve events, such as for the 3×3, 4×4, and 5×5 Cubes, there will be a one-handed solve event, and even a blindfolded solve event (where the competitor studies the Cube, then puts a blindfold on and solves it from memory).

 Currently 39 competitors have registered, including 9 international entrants coming to New Zealand especially for the event. A 13 year old Australian school boy registered to compete on the day claims to be able to solve the 3×3 Cube in a personal best time of 8 seconds (http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,,25572424-2862,00.html ).

 The current world record for the fastest speed-solve of a 3×3 Cube is 7.08 seconds, set by Erik Akkersdijk at the Czech Open 2008. If a New Zealand competitor beats this time on the day, he or she will win a brand new Mini Cooper Clubman!