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).
