AUCKLAND: The extinct Rangitoto volcano overlooking Auckland was brought back to “life” in a 150 minute spectacle that broke free of tradition to mark the opening, of the 14th commonwealth games here on Jan 24th.
‘A2,000 strong Maori welcoming party, 600 voice choir, a 30 piece Polynesian drum section and children attired in multi-color costumes heightened the opening ‘ceremony, which held the spectators in the over flowing smart stadium enthralled.
‘A ceremony began with “Rangitoto ever” in the background and the final stages of the queen’s baton relay. A swimmer took the baton out to a waiting canoe for journey across the harbor.
It was the last leg of a marathon for the baton that began changing hands in London weeks before Wednesday’s ceremony. When it actually reached here, it was split in two halves one for the north island and another for the south. Men, women, girls and boys contributed 90 dollars each for the privilege of carrying the baton for a kilometer on the giant relay run around both islands,
‘The baton was restored to a beautiful, hourglass-shaped piece of greenstone.
Article extracted from this publication >> February 2, 1990
