Over 70 guests rose early this morning to make their way through
light rain to the heart of Sydney's Circular Quay to attend a very
special and unique opening ceremony for Tourism New Zealand's Giant
Rugby Ball.
The occasion brought together the indigenous people of New
Zealand and Australia in what was a most spectacular 'Welcome to
Country'.
Elder for the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council Allen
Madden began the proceedings and the indigenous Doonooch Dance
Company undertook a 'Smoking Ceremony'. The smoke has cleansing
properties and removes evil spirits to offer safe passage for
visitors.
Māori King Kiingi Tuheitia, Minister of Māori Affairs Hon. Dr
Pita Sharples, Kaupapa Director for Tourism New Zealand Trevor
Maxwell and the Te Arawa cultural group made their way slowly
through the smoke to be greeted by Australia's indigenous people.
Acknowledgment of New Zealand's Aboriginal hosts included a
dramatic challenge and waiata as the two groups then joined as one
indigenous people.
Guests then moved into the Giant Rugby Ball
where Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler welcomed
guests.
"Australia seems to be the right place for the last
international deployment of the Ball because it marks the countdown
homecoming to when New Zealand hosts the Rugby World Cup next
year," said Kevin Bowler.
"With games spread around 13 centres from Whangarei in
Northland, to as far south as Invercargill, Rugby World Cup 2011
will be held in a stadium of 4 million people ready to offer
visitors a taste of authentic hospitality."
Minister of Māori Affairs Pita Sharples said the interaction
between the two groups of indigenous people was impressive.
"They acted with complete integrity and it was really moving.
Everyone has adopted manaakitanga [hospitality] and this morning's
ceremony showed manaakitanga - giving way to each other but doing
so with dignity," said Pita Sharples.
He also outlined his hope that next year's Rugby World Cup would
enable New Zealanders to proudly show what Kiwi hospitality really
means.
Providing an exquisite taste of what to expect, guest were
virtually transported into New Zealand with a 10-minute 360-degree
experience using multimedia, performance and theatre.
Former Captain of the Allblacks and NZ2001 Ambassador David Kirk
has enjoyed the Giant Rugby Ball experience many times before but
said he still loves every minute of it.
"The audio visual inside is absolutely wonderful. Every time I
see it I just feel inspired by New Zealand."
Many Australian media also attended the event, including
TODAY Show weatherman Steve Jacobs, who did six live
crosses from the Ball to the 350,000 television viewers watching
across Australia.
"I can honestly say this is absolutely stunning. I've never seen
anything like it. It's only once you get inside and see how big it
is that it makes you realise how important the Rugby World Cup is
for New Zealand in 2011," said Steve Jacobs.
The Giant Rugby Ball will stay in Sydney for 12 days and is free
to visit. Tourism New Zealand expects around 18,000
Australian's will visit the Ball.
