New Zealand's Secret Weapon in America's Cup: A Māori Waka

 

As New Zealand defends its title in the prestigious America’s Cup against Great Britain, the Kiwis have a unique advantage— a traditional Māori waka (canoe) leading them into the race. The competition, which started on October 12 and will run for a week, sees the waka guiding Team New Zealand out of Barcelona harbour daily as part of a "Māori guard of honour," according to Graham Tipene, the coordinator of the waka crewed mainly by members of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei tribe.

Adding to the cultural display, a haka is performed on the water, and some of the crew also perform karakia (prayers and incantations) before the race begins.

“What sets us apart from other teams is our deep connection to the ocean, land, and our responsibility as its guardians,” Tipene explained. This spiritual and cultural element brings a significant sense of pride to the team as they represent New Zealand on a global stage.

The inclusion of the Māori crew was initiated by Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ), who expressed his pride in having Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei involved. “We represent New Zealand, our culture, and innovation on the world stage, and there’s no bigger platform than the America’s Cup,” Dalton said.

The waka, carved from the trunk of a kauri tree, is named Te Kawau, after a cormorant species known for its persistence. This marks the first time in 25 years that the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei tribe has used a waka in such an event. Tipene emphasized the symbolic importance of the canoe, noting that “having a waka means having a presence on the ocean, and with it comes the responsibility of maintaining our values.”

This display of Māori culture comes amid increasing tension in New Zealand over changes to Māori rights. The government, led by conservative Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, has rolled back several policies that supported Māori communities, arguing that services should be based on need rather than race. These changes include the abolition of the Māori Health Authority and adjustments to the use of the Māori language in government departments. There is also a review of the Treaty of Waitangi, the founding document signed in 1840, which guarantees Māori rights.

Despite these political developments, Tipene highlights that Māori culture and language continue to thrive, with more people identifying as Māori today than in past decades. “What we’re doing here in Barcelona is a celebration of Māori culture, a counter to the government’s actions, and a reminder of our nationhood,” he said.

As for the America’s Cup, Tipene admitted he was rooting for Great Britain in an earlier race against Italy, eager for the chance to compete against the former colonial power. Now, his hopes rest on Team New Zealand’s ability to prove their strength on the global stage.

"It’s going to be beautiful,” he concluded.