The "Grand Opening Concert" that evening must be one of the most proud and exciting moments in New Zealand accordion history. Gerald Ryan (Protocolist) ensured that the formal aspects were in order, and John Statham, now recovered from his marathon accordion ordeal, compered the concert.  A ceremonial Maori challenge and welcome to the New Zealand Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Robert Muldoon, and to the President of the CIA Dr. Karl Majer, preceded the playing of the New Zealand National Anthem by the North Shore Accordion Orchestra and over sixty members of the Rangimarae (Maori) Cultural Group.
 
Although familiar to many New Zealanders, the following description of a ceremonial Maori welcome will assist overseas readers to picture the scene.  It commences with a female voice crying out with a descending pitch at the end of each phrase.  The woman performing this may accompany the visitors and the hosts may have a similar singer performing for them.  The visitors are then "challenged" by an athletic Maori Warrior displaying facial grimaces and brandishing a spear or other weapon.  The visitors place a gift on the ground and then retreat a short distance while the challenging "Warrior" picks up the gift and then returns to the hosts. With the acceptance of the gift the visitors are accepted and may come forward.  Speeches are made by both parties concluding with the custom of touching noses, known as "Hongi".
 
On this occasion, the speeches that followed included the Official Opening of the Coupe Mondiale and Festival by the New Zealand Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Robert Muldoon, a welcome by the President of the New Zealand Accordion Association (NZAA), Brian Wallis and an address by the President of the Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes, Dr. Karl Majer.  Several items preceded the introduction of the Coupe Mondiale competitors and the Springfield Accordion Orchestra's performance concluded the first half of the programme.  Art van Damme (jazz accordion) and Johnny Smith (guitar), backed by Andy Brown (bass) and Frank Gibson Junior (percussion) completed the second half of a memorable concert which was attended by a crowd of almost two thousand.  Visitors and hosts then returned to the Hotel where Frank Vilich and Maurice Jones entertained them at the "Mix and Mingle" party.
 

Heather Jones (now Heather Masefield) leading official party to their seats
 

The Farewell Concert held in the Auckland Town Hall that Saturday evening attracted a capacity house of over two thousand. Items from the North Shore Accordion Orchestra and the Springfield Accordion Orchestra were followed by a performance from Art Van Damme and Johnny Smith.
 
Even this excellent program could not allay the growing tension as the audience waited for the results of the Coupe Mondiale, which were scheduled to be announced during the second half of the evening.  At last, the Minister of Health George Gair, took the stage to announce the placegetters.  Then George Gair and Dr Karl Majer (CIA President) presented the trophies.  Third place was awarded to Alain Musichini of France.  In second place was Christian Bonnay also from France.  After having previously achieved many high placings, Werner Glutsch of West Germany was declared the 1980 Coupe Mondiale winner.  Following a speech by Dr. Karl Majer, these three placegetters performed and the audience enjoyed some of the finest accordion playing to be heard in the world.