Business world and Traditional Owners welcome Warriors with open arms
Published 01 December 2021
A historical cultural exchange led by the Kabi Kabi Traditional Owners welcomed the New Zealand Warriors onto Country at their new home ground at the Moreton Daily Stadium for NRL season 2022.
Kabi Kai Elder Uncle Brian Warner performed a traditional smoking ceremony and Welcome to Country to signify the beginning of a new relationship that will create new opportunities for locals and businesses across the Moreton Bay Region and New Zealand.
Mayor Peter Flannery said he can’t wait to see the Warriors play five home games at Moreton Daily Stadium next year, which will be worth $3 million to the Moreton Bay Region economy.
“Council has identified New Zealand as potentially one of our strongest business markets to help support our growing region and this relationship with the Warriors is just the beginning of things to come,” he said.
“It was great to see the team and their staff welcomed to Moreton Daily Stadium, their new home for the 2022 season, by the Kabi Kabi traditional owners and the gesture was reciprocated with a stirring Haka from the Warriors.
“We already have more than 21,000 kiwi expats living in Moreton Bay Region so this will help solidify and build that relationship further.
“Council has launched our Invest Moreton Bay campaign which will help leverage off the $1 billion export market between New Zealand and Queensland.
“And with our strategically placed position only a short drive from the Port of Brisbane and the International Airport, we’re the ideal business partner.”
Redcliffe Peninsula Chamber of Commerce president Victor Nicholls said local businesses had already begun to embrace the Warriors with open arms.
“Businesses were pumped when the Dolphins were announced as the 17th NRL team for season 2023, but the Warriors will give the region an immediate sugar hit at just the right time,” he said.
“I hope we see some shopfronts painted in the New Zealand colours to show our support for the team and to give the Warriors a hospitable Redcliffe welcome.
“With nearly 100 Warriors team members and staff living locally, there’s plenty of opportunity for businesses to make the most of the increased spending in the community, as well as extra tourism benefits when international borders reopen.
“We’re always ready for anything to change with COVID, but businesses have a reason to be optimistic with so many business opportunities coming as a result of Council’s hard work with Moreton Daily Stadium.”