Dame Kiri joins World Cup party

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra will perform in Auckland on the eve of the Rugby World Cup final.

The event on October 22 at Auckland's Vector Arena will feature Dame Kiri and special guests performing classical arias, popular favourites and songs from Dame Kiri's Maori heritage.

She said the eyes of the world would be on New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup, making it a perfect time to showcase the country's musical talent.

"I'm so looking forward to coming home and sharing the excitement," she said.