New Zealand's triumphant Commonwealth Games team were greeted with flowers, banners, balloons and screeches of joy when they arrived back in the country last night.
David Liti's family wait for his return home to NZ Photo: RNZ
The team - which notched up a record medal haul at the Games - walked through the gates at Auckland International Airport just after 7pm last night.
About 200 supporters - including members of the public - were waiting for them.
"New Zealand did so awesome - 15 golds is pretty amazing for our little country," one woman said.
But the cheers were loudest for crowd favourite and gold-medal weightlifter David Liti.
Students from One Tree Hill College performed a haka, while Liti's family went to hug and congratulate him.
After the welcome, Liti looked stunned.
"It's overwhelming, this whole thing's unreal, I wake up every morning just wondering if I was dreaming."
One of the students, Ella Diprakhon, said Liti was a role model.
"We are so proud to see him and it just goes to show that no matter what race, what culture you are, if you put your mind to something you can achieve it."
Meanwhile, Liti's cousin, Meleane McKinley was over the moon at his success.
"Being kids and cousins growing up, you wouldn't expect to see one of your cousins up there, but it's just really awesome," she said.
"The whole family is behind him and really supportive. It just feels unreal, but really proud and awesome."
After the airport welcome, the team headed to Novotel hotel for an official welcome home function.
The medals flashed under the bright lights as the team, more than 200 of them, stood together for the last time.
After photographs, quips from athletes, and proud speeches, the team were reunited with family and friends.
Boxing bronze medallist Alexis Pritchard said she was touched by New Zealand's support.
"Seeing New Zealand come out, especially to welcome you home, is quite a humbling feeling.
"It's quite overwhelming walking through a gauntlet of people screaming and waving at you ... but I really appreciate that they came out and clapped us on."
Hockey player Samantha Charlton said scoring a gold medal was a proud moment for the team.
"We were all just super stoked to be with each other and to achieve that together and we just stuck together as a team and celebrated with our friends and family.
"It was really special."
Charlton said she would have just a week-long break before heading back to the field.
While some athletes head straight back to their home training grounds, others will be taking a well-earned rest.
