The Sylvan Gala Dinner at the 45th AMGA, combined with the New Zealand mushroom conference in Auckland, in late October, was heralded with the Maori Experience. AMGA Chair Kevin Tolson took part in the traditional Mõteatea, welcoming ceremony, before leading the delegates into the Grand Ballroom. This was followed by the Poi (women’s dance) and of course the spectacular Haka. The Haka (fire breath) is a ceremonial dance of the Maori tribes that is still practiced on the North Island of New Zealand.