Northland prepares to welcome Canada

29 August 2011

Northland prepares to welcome Canada

Northland is ready to roll out the welcome mat for Canada’s Rugby World Cup 2011 team when they arrive next week.

On Sunday 4rd September, Canada will arrive at Bay of Islands Airport in Kerikeri for an initial welcome with local civic and community leaders.

The official team welcome and capping ceremony will take place the next day on Monday 5th September at the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Northland to welcome the Canadian Rugby team to give them a warm Kiwi greeting on their arrival in their first port of call,” says Northland 2011 Regional Co-ordinator Stewart McElwain.

“While the welcome functions are by invitation only and there will be some restrictions during the formal part of the ceremonies, there will be some opportunity for fans and locals to meet the Canadian Rugby team in real life,” he added.

“The community can show their support for Canada and ‘Paint It Red’ with clothing, banners and flags, giving the team a real Northland welcome” Mr McElwain said.

The Canadian Rugby Team arrive at Bay of Islands Airport, Kerikeri at 7.40pm on Sunday 4th September, and the official team welcome and formal powhiri will be held at the Whare Rūnanga, Waitangi Treaty Grounds on Monday 5th September at 10.30am.

More information on what’s happening as Northland counts down to RWC 2011 can be found on the website: www.northland2011.com.

You can also join Northland 2011 on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Northland2011 or follow us on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Northland2011

What is Northland 2011?
Northland 2011 is the group co-ordinating Northland’s preparations, planning and operational delivery for the Rugby World Cup - a joint collaboration between the region’s three District Councils, the Northland Regional Council and the Northland Rugby Union. It is also supported by local economic, iwi, sporting, business, tourism and other groups.

ENDS

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