Four giant tekoteko have been brought from Bay of Plenty to Eden Park in conditions of tight security.
Eden Park Trust chair John Waller says they will stay under wraps until a dawn blessing in 10 days.
Representing Tanemahuta, Rongo, Tumatauenga and Tawhirimatea, the tekoteko will stand at the four corners of the refurbished park to provide a towering cultural welcome to visitors to next year's Rugby World Cup.
"We were always keen to have a strong Maori presence at the park and we were looking for something that would be stunning and would enhance the park," Mr Waller said.
Waatea News reports the tekoteko were designed by Arekatera Maihi from Ngati Whatua and carved by teams under his direction in Rotorua and Whakatane.
