All Black captain granted Freedom of Auckland
All Black captain granted Freedom of Auckland
Mayor Len Brown has granted All Black captain Richie McCaw the Freedom of Auckland.
The mayor bestowed the symbolic honour on the captain during this afternoon’s tumultuous welcome home gathering at Auckland’s Victoria Park.
Len Brown told Richie that on behalf of Aucklanders, the honour acknowledged the rugby player’s outstanding leadership and achievement in taking the All Blacks to back to Rugby World Cup wins.
“This honour comes with the love and respect of the people of Auckland,” he said in presenting Richie McCaw with a waka huia as a taonga symbolising the treasure box of a chief.
It is the first time Len Brown has bestowed this honour since he became the first mayor of the united city five years ago this week.
The Freedom of the City is an honour bestowed by a municipality upon a valued member of the community, or upon a visiting VIP or dignitary.
ENDS