Video: TVNZ giving Kiwis a front row seat for RWC opening night

TVNZ is giving Kiwis a front row seat for Auckland’s Opening Night festivities, celebrating the start of Rugby World Cup 2011.

This exclusive live coverage kicks off on TV ONE at 4.55pm on Friday 09 September, with ONE News presenter Simon Dallow and Breakfast’s roving weatherman Tamati Coffey hosting the one-hour programme which will capture the fun and festivities on Auckland’s waterfront in the lead-up to the Tournament’s first match.

“This is a fantastic way to give everybody in New Zealand the opportunity to witness the magic of the Tournament’s celebrations,” says Dallow.

TV ONE viewers will be treated to the spectacle of 20 waka arriving at Auckland’s Viaduct basin, followed by a sailing waka Te Aurere, carrying children dressed in each of the 20 competing countries’ colours.

Iconic Kiwi musician Dave Dobbyn will sing Welcome Home to the country representatives before the procession (including some 600 kaihoe, or waka paddlers) makes its way along Quay Street where kapa haka from Auckland schools (Aorere College, Kaipara College, De La Salle College and King’s College) perform.

These four Auckland schools proudly count former or current All Blacks in their alumni.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown will speak, addressing what is expected to be a full crowd of more than 50,000 across the event site. A mass haka of 500 will end the formalities.

Then, it’s party time as various New Zealand music acts, headlined by the Finn Brothers, continue the festivities.

TV ONE’s coverage will include a background story on 19-year-old Jackson Tamaariki-Campbell, the New Zealand country representative, and students from De La Salle College, who have an uncanny ability to become top New Zealand sports stars.

Then at 8pm, following the Rugby World Cup 2011 launch at Eden Park, TV ONE viewers will see the sky “All Lit Up” with a dazzling 12-minute fireworks display accompanied by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra performing music written especially for the event by Kiwi singer-songwriter Don McGlashan.

With the waterfront event, especially Queens Wharf, having limited capacity, TV ONE’s coverage is a great option for anyone wanting the best seat in the house.

Check out TV One’s Opening Ceremony promos below: