The captain of Canada's national rugby team says the players feel humbled and honoured by their powhiri at Waitangi.
The Canadian squad was officially welcomed to New Zealand on Monday morning with a traditional Maori welcome in the carved meeting-house on the Treaty Grounds.
Schoolchildren waving hand-made Canadian flags gathered under the flagstaff, and the squad walked up the track to meet a formal challenge from Maori warriors.
Afterwards, they mixed with the crowds signing flags for the children and talking to visitors.
Team captain Pat Riordan says the powhiri was an extraordinary experience, and one he will not forget.
The Canadians' coach - former All Black Kieran Crowley - says the young men are familiar with the protocols of Canada's First Nations people and have great respect for Maori culture.
The Canadians will be training at Waitangi and Kerikeri over the coming week; their first match of the Rugby World Cup is against Tonga in Whangarei on 14 September.
Tai Tokerau elder Erima Henare - one of several rangatira who made speeches of welcome - says the Canadians have picked the best (and warmest )spot in the country for their World Cup base.
