Hamilton Fijians prepare feast
FIJIANS in Hamilton and around New Zealand are preparing a big feast to welcome the Flying Fijians on Saturday night.
A traditional welcome ceremony has also been planned for Vern Cotter and his men after the second Test at the FMG Waikato Stadium in Hamilton.
Fijian Society Hamilton executive Ilaitia Tuwere said Fijians living in New Zealand were expected to crowd Hamilton City this weekend for the return Test match.
"Sa ka ni veitalanoa tu ike na nodratou qito macawa sa oti na cauravou (It is still the talk of Hamilton what our boys did last Saturday)," Tuwere said from his Hamilton home last night.
"We are all excited and we are all looking forward to Saturday's second Test. We are lucky that the border is still open and Fijians all over New Zealand had been calling their contacts and relatives here to look for accommodation and tickets.
"We all anticipate that this game will be better and more physical than last week. New Zealanders here are talking about what the Flying Fijians did to the All Blacks. They are surprised because it is rare to scare the All Blacks at home. When that happens it does not sink in well with most people.
"That's why this second Test is going to be full and more exciting. People will come out to watch the Fiji team and contacts had been received from Fijians across New Zealand who are coming to watch the game."
Welcome for Botia
Tuwere said Naitasiri people living in New Zealand are also preparing a big feast to welcome national skipper Levani Botia.
"They are happy that one of their own is the captain of the Fiji team. They have contacted us and requested that they present their traditional welcome to Botia during the Fijian Society Hamilton traditional welcome ceremony to the team after the game on Saturday.
"Our Fiji village will be set up at the Wesley Methodist Hall at Heaphy Terrace, Fairfield in Hamilton City. We will open at 12 midday on Saturday to cater for those coming in all over New Zealand. There will be barbecues, lovo foods and lots of yaqona. After the match we will all come together to welcome and host the team traditionally and a chance for Fijians here to meet the players.
"FMG Stadium is expected be packed with Fijians like the Hamilton 7s in the World Rugby Sevens Series. Itaukei and Fijians of Indian descent in New Zealand are expected to pack Hamilton this weekend. There will be a sea of blue and lots of Fiji flags. We are all excited and can't wait for the match to start.
"We also think of Fiji and all our families back home during this difficult time and hope that the game on Saturday will be something to comfort us amidst the COVID-19 pandemic."