Dr Palmer acknowledged the efforts of Bay of Plenty Rugby and Rotorua Lakes Council whose joint bid made it difficult to look anywhere else to host the second match.
"They are really embracing this opportunity to make the celebration of Māori and Pasifika rugby stretch over a whole week of activities."
Fiji Rugby chief executive John O'Connor said the match was a timely boost for the flying Fijians to prepare for the Rugby World Cup in Japan later in the year.
"Fiji Rugby is looking forward to hosting the Māori All Black here on the 13th of July at ANZ Stadium in Suva. It will be an ideal opportunity for fans to come in numbers and witness not only the Flying Fijians but also a powerful Māori All Blacks side."
Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers says the Māori All Blacks have a rich rugby history beginning with their first match played in the city more than 100 years.
"It's also a significant occasion for home town hero and Māori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan, it will be the first time the team has played in his home town under his tutelage.
"We are excited to host both teams – and while we know the Fijians are fiercely loyal – and vocal – supporters of their team – the Māori All Blacks is a very special team for us and this is a unique opportunity to watch them play at home," Rogers said.
Homegrown Māori All Blacks head coach Clayton McMillan said the Maori All Blacks had long wanted to play strong international sides.
"Fiji recorded that historical win against France during their end of year tour, and so they come into this year in impressive form. I think they will be a great challenge for us playing in their back yard, and here in Rotorua, a place that is very special to me.
"For us, there's a sense of unfinished business as we probably left our rugby public less than satisfied after our last home game against the British and Irish Lions in 2017. I know we'd certainly like to make that up to Maori All Blacks supporters," he said.
Meanwhile, the curtain-raiser for the match will be a Fijian Under-20 side and a New Zealand Māori Under-20 side.
With both teams arriving in the city one week before the match, Councillor Charles Sturt, who leads the Rotorua Lakes Council sport and recreation portfolio, says there will be plenty of Māori and Pacifica events leading up to the match.
"We're thrilled Rotorua has been chosen to host this match. Rotorua has declared its commitment to becoming a bi-cultural district and Te Arawa culture is a core fabric of our local community so we have a special affinity with the Māori All Blacks.
"We also have a strong Pacifica community in Rotorua, and we will have a number of events outside of the game to celebrate all things Pacifika.
"And, of course, we have a very proud history of producing some of New Zealand's rugby greats who have played for both the Māori All Blacks and the All Blacks.
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