Tauranga residents will get the chance to meet the winning Emirates Team New Zealand team at a waterfront celebration on Sunday. Photo/Getty
Tauranga residents will get the chance to meet the winning Emirates Team New Zealand team at a waterfront celebration on Sunday. Photo/Getty
Thousands of people are expected to welcome home Tauranga's favourite son, Peter Burling, as he and other members of Emirates Team New Zealand bring the America's Cup to town.
Official celebrations are expected to start tomorrow from 1pm at the Edgewater Fan on Tauranga's waterfront but people are advised toarrive early and have their travel plans worked out in advance.
Tauranga City Council has warned of congestion and large crowds. A big screen has been planned in case spectators cannot get close to the stage.
The council says celebrations will go ahead rain or shine but it encouraged people to consider using public transport to avoid traffic and parking issues. Bus schedules can be found at www.baybus.co.nz. If people prefer to arrive by car, parking is free in the CBD on Sundays.
Burling and his teammates are expected to arrive by boat and will be welcomed by the crowds along the waterfront. A short ceremony, including a haka performed by Tauranga Boys' College senior students and speeches, will take place with a chance to hear from the athletes themselves and Mayor Greg Brownless.
After the ceremony, Emirates Team New Zealand team members and the Auld Mug will be available for photos to give everyone the chance to get their own piece of America's Cup history.
Mr Brownless said the celebrations would give the whole community the opportunity to pay tribute to New Zealand's victorious sailors.
"With our very own Peter Burling at the helm, this team delivered an outstanding success and thrilled the whole country when they raced across the waters in Bermuda.
"We're looking forward to seeing people from Tauranga and the region come out to give these guys the celebration they deserve. It is an excellent opportunity for fans, families and friends to spend some time out at the central city waterfront on a Sunday afternoon."
Event details: When: SundayTime: 1pm to 3.30pm (with the official event ending at 2.30pm) Location: Edgewater Fan at the Tauranga CBD waterfront
