Waitangi welcome for Lions

Warren Gatland’s British and Irish Lions are assured of at least one friendly welcome while touring these shores — his squad will be honoured with an official welcome on to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds.

Grounds custodians and rugby bosses yesterday confirmed the special welcome on June 4, the day after the tour kicks off with a match against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians at Whangarei’s Toll Stadium.

The welcome, which will be open to the public, will see the Lions players and coaches brought into Waitangi’s famous whare runanga (meeting house) with a traditional powhiri.

“It will be an honour to have the British and Irish Lions at the birthplace of the nation and it is fitting the team has accepted the invitation to be welcomed,” Waitangi Treaty Grounds chief executive Greg McManus said. “There could be no more appropriate place to welcome the team and their supporters to our shores.”

Nigel Cass, New Zealand Rugby general manager of the Lions series, said the event would have special significance for the visitors and locals alike.

“New Zealanders pride ourselves on our hospitality to international visitors,” he said.

“We’re also very grateful to Waitangi Treaty Grounds for opening the event to visiting fans and locals. It will make for a truly incredible atmosphere and is set to be a highlight of the series.”

Lions tour manager John Spencer said the team saw the welcome as an important introduction to New Zealand’s culture and traditions and expected a “moving experience”.