Richard Armitage opens the Powhiri Welcoming Ceremony 

I think it speaks volumes of Richard's talent that he spoke Maori so well and how highly they think of him as he was chosen to be the representative of the"visiting head chief" for the cast and crew. Couldn't be more happier for him!

It is wonderful to see him take centre stage with his peers for all all the world to see what a truly exceptional person he is!

Bless him! He is so sweet and adorable, I can't help but love him! Thank you, bccmee!

I'm sooooooooo happy Richard is in this!!!!!

A gentleman to the end with him actually in the front and being so sweet and sincere, yet humble, who would not want to be there all the time with him! Where is my darn passport?!!? Thanks bccmee! Keep them coming!

Squeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!. Thank you. He's so beautiful. He's also as nervous as I've ever seen him. He's absolutely adorable.

Thanks for posting it. It´s so good see RA again.

RA is just so good! Thanks for this vid!

Thanks for sharing!

Lovely!!! Thanks so much for uploading!

It is a special suit that he wears when they are filming so they can just capture his movements on blue screen.

@Steptile1 I believe Richard's holding the rautapu, a leaf or carved effigy, that they are supposed to offer as a symbolic peace offering for the ceremony.

Richard almost reminds me a bit of Viggo, I know Viggo learned a bit of the language for whatever foreign countries that don't use English as their dominant language, so that he could greet the fans in their native tongue.

Ok, the guy who started with the yelling and Richard can both join me in my room and do naughty things to me...oh my. "My name is Richard I'm from London, England" "NO HE'S NOT!!! HE'S FROM PLANET SEXY!!!"

@eftforme I think she was saying "He's not". You can see her tongue touch the top of her mouth.....

Anyone else notice the two ladies in the second row. One says something you cannot see to the other and she says yes and then he's hot. Funny and sooo true.

I apologize jhezser71!! I should have realized that you had the same thoughts as I did!! :) That really was a weird outfit that Martin Freeman was wearing! What was that all about?? On the other hand, Richard managed to look regal and gorgeous (doesn't he always?) in his jeans, blue shirt and those old boots of his! Even in his everyday clothes we see what a great choice Sir Peter J made in casting him as Thorin!! **swoon**

Don't you mean Andy Serkis??

Rob Kazinsky -.-