News Release
For immediate release
October 21, 2011

Crowds Take In Waka Maori in Big Numbers

Organisers of Waka Maori on Auckland’s waterfront are expecting a huge weekend as numbers have stayed high throughout the week and are climbing again ahead of the weekend’s rugby action.

With the sun out today there are large numbers of people are at the waka.

As at 5pm last evening there had been 240,000 visits to Waka Maori since it opened a week ago and with the fine weather and increasing visitors descending on Auckland big numbers are expected for today, Saturday and Sunday.
Performances have been packed and there has been a steady flow of All Blacks, former All Blacks and Maori All Blacks through.

Last evening there was a group of French business people hosted in the waka by Tana Umaga and Buck Shelford while Hawaiian knife and fire dancers performed outside.

Spokesperson Ngarimu Blair said Kees Meeuws had just been in as well as Glenn Osborne, Tanirau Latimar and Adrian Cashmore, Hika Reid, Daniel Braid and Matt Te Pou. Piri Weepu and Kieran Reid were in yesterday.

Blair said he was very proud of his whanau for the wonderful job they were doing at creating the warm welcome for visitors.

“There has been a lot of people coming through the doors and they just keep on smiling and welcoming everyone and talking to people. They are doing a great job.”

Former All Black and Sevens star Eric Rush has been through the waka several times and was moved to add his Commonwealth Games gold medal to the memorabilia at the Maori Rugby Exhibition inside the waka.

“Waka Maori is awesome. Those guys have done a really good job of putting that on.

“I loved the Maori Rugby Exhibition as it reminded me that I was part of an important legacy when I saw those pieces about Waka Nathan and Sid Going and the triple scissors.

“I go into the waka every now and then to catch up with people and naturally there are a few photos and signings which is all part of the spirit of the place.”

ENDS

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