New Zealand Prepares Special Welcome for Rugby World Cup 2011 Teams

A mix of marae-based and civic events are being arranged as a special welcome for each of the 20 participating teams at Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011) in New Zealand.

The location of each welcome has been determined by the region the team will first stay in.

A key part of each welcome will be the official capping ceremony where each of the 30 team members receives an official commemorative cap marking his participation in the seventh Rugby World Cup.

Welcomes take place between 1 and 8 September 2011 and involve 12 marae and eight civic ceremonies. Japan will be the first team welcomed on 1 September at Aotea Square in Auckland and Russia, the last, at Blenheim’s Omaka Marae on 8 September.

A marae is a meeting place for Maori communities and the welcome ceremony or powhiri includes speeches and songs, and concludes with a meal or hākari. The civic welcomes will also include powhiri elements.

“These welcomes will be warm and uniquely New Zealand flavoured,” said Michelle Hooper, Team Services Manager for Tournament Organiser Rugby New Zealand 2011. “They will combine local cultural elements and distinctive regional hospitality to ensure teams begin their stay here in a memorable way.”

Tournament owners Rugby World Cup Ltd (RWCL), believes the welcomes will provide a unique and warm reception for the 20 teams and set the tone for the seven-week tournament. A RWCL Director will be present at each welcome.

“The warmth of the team welcomes will be the start of a great New Zealand experience for all players and officials at RWC 2011,” said Kit McConnell, RWCL Tournament Director. “An important part of each Rugby World Cup, part of what makes the tournament special, is the way each team engages with the host country and the communities hosting them. This Tournament is not just about the rugby, it is also about showcasing the very best that New Zealand has to offer from its cuisine, culture and countryside, to the warmth of its people. It will be an exceptional experience for all who travel to New Zealand for RWC 2011. The teams are excited about arriving here, and I am sure communities throughout New Zealand are excited about welcoming them and making them feel at home.”

Rugby World Cup 2011 Team Welcome Ceremonies

Japan - Auckland, Aotea Square - 1 September
Romania - Ashburton Events Centre - 2 September
Namibia - Gisborne, Te Poho o Rawiri Marae - 3 September
France - Auckland, Orakei Marae, Bastion Point - 3 September
Italy - Nelson, Whakatau Marae - 3 September
New Zealand - Auckland, Aotea Square - 3 September
USA - Whanganui, Putiki Marae - 4 September
Argentina - Dunedin Town Hall - 4 September
Ireland - Queenstown, Skyline - 4 September
Wales - Wellington, Takapuwahia Marae, Porirua - 4 September
South Africa - Wellington, Te Raukura - 5 September
Canada - Northland, Waitangi, Paihia - 5 September
Tonga -  Auckland, Papakura Marae, Papakura - 6 September
Georgia - Queenstown, Skyline - 6 September
Fiji - Tauranga, Huria Marae - 6 September
Australia - Auckland, Aotea Square - 6 September
England - Dunedin Town Hall - 6 September
Samoa - Rotorua, Ohinemutu - 8 September
Scotland - Invercargill, Te Rau Aroha Marae - 8 September
Russia - Blenheim, Omaka Marae - 8 September

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