Staff haka for All Blacks

Air New Zealand staff have given the All Blacks the perfect send-off by performing a haka on the tarmac of Auckland International Airport. Wearing high-vis jackets, All Blacks players Aaron Smith and Rieko Ioane, as well as mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka, watched on as 60 Air New Zealand employees performed the company’s haka, Te Mangapare, followed by Ka Mate. ‘‘As the airline that’s crazy about rugby we were thrilled to be able to give the All Blacks, as ambassadors of our language, our country, and our people, a very special farewell ahead of their next big challenge in Japan. Kia kaha te Kapa o¯ Pango,’’ Air New Zealand cultural development manager Henare Johnson said. The All Blacks left yesterday bound for Japan where they will be looking to defend their Rugby World Cup crown. They open the tournament with a highly anticipated clash with the Springboks in Yokohama on September 21.