A greeting to celebrate friendship

The Spanish Women's National Team was officially welcomed in Palmerston North by local authorities in a brilliant ceremony that paid tribute to Māori culture.

Just minutes before noon on Monday, the solemn sound of the Puoro wind instrument filled the main square of Palmerston North, marking the official welcoming ceremony for the Spanish Women's National Team.

All local authorities and prominent members of the Māori community delivered speeches in a colorful event enlivened by performances from the young Manu Kura choir, composed of local youth whose poi danced vibrantly in front of the Spanish delegation.

Captain Ivana Andrés responded to the greeting by presenting a personalized team shirt bearing the name "Papaioea" (the Māori name for Palmerston North) and expressing the deep gratitude of the entire team for the warm reception they have received in New Zealand. She stated in her speech, "This shirt symbolizes all the sacrifices, the efforts, and the victories that have made it possible for us to have the privilege of being here to play in the World Cup in this remarkable place, and to do so with the value of friendship that we all share today."