Richie first for Super City honour

Richie McCaw was granted the Freedom of Auckland in acknowledgment of his outstanding leadership and achievements at the World Cup. Photo / Jason Oxenham

Richie McCaw was granted the Freedom of Auckland by Mayor Len Brown yesterday - the first time the honour has been bestowed since the birth of the Super City five years ago.

Mr Brown told the All Blacks skipper the honour acknowledged his outstanding leadership and achievement in taking the team to back-to-back Rugby World Cup wins.

"This honour comes with the love and respect of the people of Auckland," he said in presenting McCaw with a waka huia (container) as a taonga symbolising the treasure box of a chief.

That's where the perks end.

The title is a symbolic honour traditionally given to a valued member of the community or a visiting dignitary or celebrity. It confers no special privileges.

Its origins are in the medieval practice of granting respected citizens freedom from serfdom and the tradition still lives on Britain, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.

Last year, Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum was given the "keys to the City of Wellington", and in August this year the former New Zealand cricket captain Daniel Vettori became an honorary ambassador for Hamilton.

Image 1 of 16: All Black captain Richie McCaw walks down the parade path at Victoria Park in Auckland. Photo / Nick Reed