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Maori will be the first to be seen at the Rugby World Cup.
The Auckland Council has organised a powhiri for foreign guests
to welcome them to the competition
on the 9th of September on the Auckland wharf.
The Rugby World Cup journey begins with a fleet of Maori waka.
The world is coming here to do battle with our warriors
and the first place they will meet will be on the sea.
Joe Duncan will be leading a fleet of Maori waka on Auckland Harbour
as part of the waterfront festivities for the Rugby World Cup.
It doesn't matter where the canoes have come from
whether it be from up North or Ngati Awa
because one thing counts
Maori people will be seen by the world.
On the 9th of September at 4pm
the Rugby World Cup begins with its Auckland waterfront festivities.
20 canoes will come from the east
and paddle to the eastern end of the viaduct where they will moor.
We will perform the haka 'E kau ki te Tai'
and then we will dock at the wharf.
Then the paddlers and procession
will make their way to The Cloud on Queens Wharf.
We'll have around 800 paddlers.
Then the 800 strong group will perform the famous haka.
Joe says the All Blacks are welcome to join them in paddling.
If foreigners want to paddle that's alright they are most welcome.
So for those who won't be a part of the festivities
it will be broadcast live on TV.
Roihana Nuri, Te Karere.