A Māori waka taua will lead the Emirates Team New Zealand yacht at the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona this October.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, a Māori iwi, will paddle the waka, named Te Kawau, ahead of the team to the starting line before each race begins.
Marama Royal, the chairperson of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, expressed the iwi’s pride and excitement about participating in the event. She said the opportunity to showcase Māori culture on a global stage is a demonstration of kotahitanga, unity, and reflects their identity and connection to their ancestors. The presence of Te Kawau will highlight Māori seafaring traditions internationally.
In addition to leading the yacht, the iwi ropū will perform cultural presentations and participate in ceremonial activities during the America’s Cup events.
Grant Dalton, chief executive of Emirates Team New Zealand, stated that including the waka in the races is a unique opportunity to share the strength and beauty of Māori culture with the world. He looks forward to seeing how ancient traditions and modern competitive sailing can come together.
Earlier this year, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei blessed and named the team’s racing boat Taihoro. The name, inspired by Taihoro-Nukurangi, means “to move swiftly as the sea between both sky and earth.” This high-tech foiling monohull vessel, designed for speed, took ten months to build and will be the team’s hope for victory at the America’s Cup.
