‘We’re a powerhouse’: the Māori canoe and haka leading New Zealand into America’s Cup battle

‘We’re a powerhouse’: the Māori canoe and haka leading New Zealand into America’s Cup battle

As New Zealand goes head to head with the old colonial power, Great Britain, a waka is leading the team out of Barcelona harbour

As New Zealand goes head to head with Great Britain in its defence of the America’s Cup, the Kiwis have a secret weapon, a Māori waka (canoe) that will lead them into the contest.

The race began on 12 October and is due to end a week later. Each race day, the waka will lead Team New Zealand out of Barcelona harbour as a “Māori guard of honour”, says Graham Tipene, coordinator of the waka that is crewed almost entirely by members of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei iwi (tribe).

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