Te Kawau, a Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei waka, will lead Team NZ to the America's Cup start line. Photo: RNZ / Julie Zhu
A traditional Māori waka taua will lead the Emirates Team New Zealand yacht to the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona.
A crew from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will paddle Te Kawau in front of Team New Zealand, taking them to the start line before racing.
Iwi chairperson Marama Royal said the iwi were "honoured and humbled" by the opportunity to awhi the team in the October race series.
"Taking our waka to Barcelona is a profound opportunity to share the vitality and depth of our Māori culture on a world stage.
"It's a demonstration of kotahitanga, our identity, resilience, and the enduring connection to our tupuna, while supporting a team who provide great mana for Aotearoa and all our people."
The inclusion of Te Kawau will put Māori seafaring on the international map.
In addition to paddling the waka taua, the iwi ropū will do cultural performances and participate in ceremonial events at the Cup.
Emirates Team New Zealand chief executive Grant Dalton said the inclusion of the waka was a chance to share the Māori culture with the world.
"We wanted to bring the strength of our culture to Barcelona and with us as we head out to the race course each day, which the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Te Kawau waka will do.
"We are excited to see the blend of ancient traditions and modern competitive spirit."
In April, the iwi blessed and gifted the name Taihoro to the team's boat that will race at the America's Cup.
Inspired from Taihoro-Nukurangi, Taihoro translates as "to move swiftly as the sea between both sky and earth".
The foiling monohulled vessel took 10 months to build.
