Parades Planned For All Blacks Homecoming

The victorious All Blacks will be welcomed home with a trio of parades this week.

Local body officials were staying tight-lipped in the build-up to this morning's final about any plans to roll out the red carpet for the Richie McCaw-captained heroes.

Auckland mayor Len Brown said he was looking forward to New Zealand Rugby "giving clear instructions" on when this would be, when he spoke on TVNZ's Q&Athis morning.

The Herald on Sunday understands Auckland is likely to be the first city to officially welcome home the All Blacks, and has a parade pencilled in for Wednesday.

A source said Christchurch would follow on Thursday, and Wellington would celebrate on Friday.

Council officials wouldn't confirm any plans - perhaps worried about jinxing the outcome. They needn't have worried. 

A spokesman for Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development said it was "just focusing on the game".

A Wellington City Council spokesman said the capital city didn't want to put a hex on the All Blacks.

"We just don't want to jinx it," he said. "[But the] council is able to react in a short timeframe, if required, to implement any plan around Rugby Word Cup celebrations."

Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean said if the capital city was involved, an event would be organised right away.

He said it was up to New Zealand Rugby.

"They are the ones getting the players home.

"We're just going to wait until tomorrow when they have more details."

Christchurch City Council was brave enough to confirm it had been in contact with New Zealand Rugby though, saying it was waiting for further advice after the final whistle.

"We have spoken to New Zealand Rugby and they have asked if Christchurch would be interested in taking part in any potential celebrations," a council spokeswoman said.

"We have told them that we would be happy to do so.

"What and when it will happen is yet to be determined.

"NZ Rugby are concentrating on the job at hand, and that is to support the team."

- Herald on Sunday