Leadership and guidance from Te Puni Kōkiri helped Northland’s civic leaders host an exceptional tribute and welcome to Rugby World Cup 2011 teams who visited the region.

Te Hononga – making connections – was the central theme and formed the basis to honour visiting teams.

“Matua Te Warihi reminded us of the importance of connections. He shared how relationships matter – from recognition, understanding, through to connection, development and meaning. Te Hononga is more than an approach, but a way of being – whānau, whanaunga, and whānau whānui as one,” said Information Advisor, William Kaipo.