Some of New Zealand's Olympians are celebrating with friends and whānau in person tonight, after completing their MIQ stint.
Harewood School pupils show off their collection of autographs from some of New Zealand's Olympians. Photo: RNZ / Kim Moodie
The first group of athletes and team members was released from managed isolation in Christchurch today.
They were greeted at Christchurch Airport by some excited children from Harewood School, who were given the morning off to meet their heroes - and have a close look at the medals.
One of the pupils tries on a silver medal. Photo: RNZ / Kim Moodie
For the athletes, there were books, rugby balls, headbands and casts thrust before them to sign.
Isla, 10, and Grace, 9, said they were inspired to get back into sports after watching the Olympic Games.
Three-time gold medallist Hamish Bond said he was looking forward to getting home - especially so that he could meet the newest member of the family.
His third child was born while he was in managed isolation.
"There's the odd thing on the calendar, but mainly just catch up on nappy duty," he said.
"So, I'll carry that can for a bit and just try and take some of the load off my wife."
With the success of the men's eight, he's now got a third gold medal to add to his collection at home.
"My wife jokes that I needed to win because I needed one for each of them [my children]. So, it's lucky I got the third one."
But he says he's not too precious about his medals, which are normally tucked away in his sock drawer.
"I think, once you get the first ding in it, you're kind of over keeping the medals pristine.
"My other two, you still know they're gold medals, but they've got a bit of character."
Another gold medal winning rower, Grace Prendergast, signs a headband. Photo: RNZ / Kim Moodie
With Covid-19 precautions on everyone's mind, Bond said it was an Olympics like no other.
"I guess it was just that air of caution over everything. Masks were not just on your face, but in your face constantly and it was a constant reminder of the conditions that we were competing under."
Governor General Dame Patsy Reddy acknowledged the hurdles the athletes faced at a unique Olympics.
"The challenges, even to get to these Olympic Games, were formidable, and the strict conditions imposed on you, due to the pandemic, doubtless made your experiences like no other games that made your performances all the more remarkable," she told the athletes.
Dame Patsy said she didn't want to single anyone out - but she paid tribute to 17-year-old Erika Fairweather, who blazed to the finals in the 400m women's freestyle.
"I also want to mention our dominance in rowing and kayaking, and of course, rugby sevens.
"You were phenomenal. And how special is it, that over half our medals were won by women."
The second group of Olympians will be released from managed isolation on Sunday - and the final group will be out in just over a week's time.
Photo: RNZ / Kim Moodie