The glamour girls of tennis have arrived in Auckland and quickly put Kiwi life centrecourt.
Seven-time grand slam winner Venus Williams, ranked World No18, enjoyed a powhiri and a glimpse of Maori culture through hongi, waiata and speeches.
She faced the haka and took part in a singalong at Orakei Marae.
"It wasn't like anything I have ever seen before and I have been around the world and seen a lot," said the 34-year-old. "I wasn't sure what to expect but it was so welcoming and so peaceful."
![](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/5YZK6G65XKXTCFCOCV3KZVKBR4.jpg?auth=7aa8cb8efc81194372168addb0e0edb347e242ee4a8606847935073d284f4508&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)