Tongan rugby league fans, don't go to Auckland Airport to greet your team on Wednesday.
That's the message from ATEED as they look to avoid the chaos of 2017, when thousands of Mate Ma'a faithful flooded there to welcome their side to New Zealand for the Rugby League World Cup.
Approximately 3500 fans congregated at the Airport, which caused widespread congestion on nearby roads and within the arrivals area.
This year, a special event has been planned for the Vodafone Events Centre in Manukau, where the public can greet the team after they arrive in Auckland.
Parking and entry to the event is free.
The squad is scheduled to touch down late Wednesday afternoon, when they'll bypass the public arrivals area and instead disembark directly to a waiting bus to make their way to the event.
"We know the local Tongan community is keen to welcome Mate Ma'a Tonga and that airport is often the first opportunity," said Stuart Turner, Head of Major Events at ATEED.
"So we've worked with the NRL and representatives of the Tongan team and community to make sure fans have that chance to show their support as soon as the team arrives in the region."
The side will be based in Hamilton as they prepare for their historic test against Australia at Mt Smart Stadium on October 20.
There will be a second opportunity to meet the teams at Mt Smart on Wednesday October 17.
Tongan supporters came out in their droves during their run to the semi-finals of the World Cup, where they lost to England.
Newshub.
