Māori Culture Elevates New Zealand SailGP Experience
Following the inaugural ITM New Zealand SailGP Grand Prix | Christchurch, Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour) quickly became a firm favourite sailing destination on the league’s global race calendar.
Aotearoa shared its unique indigenous culture to the world through a partnership with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki who hold mana whenua and mana moana (traditional authority), exercising rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga over Whakaraupō. For some of those that watched on the shore or through the global broadcast, they got a glimpse of Te Ao Māori culture and values for the very first time.
This year the event will open once again with a beautifully carved waka leading out the hi-tech, high-flying F50 catamarans on Whakaraupō. The city’s spectacular natural playground is a unique backdrop for the sport and is of significance to the local community, especially to Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke.
Building on their work together in the lead-up to last year’s inaugural event in 2023, a special relationship remains between the global racing league SailGP, the host city agency ChristchurchNZ and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke.
To celebrate this partnership journey and the shared connection with the moana (sea) that have defined both Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke and SailGP, the partners took the opportunity to showcase the unique beauty and culture of Whakaraupō.
The video gives us a glimpse of the history of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rapaki and their ancestor Te Rakiwhakaputa who claimed Whakaraupō for his descendants. It will once again open the broadcast on the race weekend, an expected global audience of more than 13 million.
Loren Aberhart - General Manager of Destination and Attraction for ChristchurchNZ.This is an important partnership for us at ChristchurchNZ and one we know is crucial when delivering an event in a destination as unique as Whakaraupō. Spanning over nearly five years, we continue to build on our relationship with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke and strengthen our understanding of Te Ao Māori,”
"This is an important partnership for us at ChristchurchNZ and one we know is crucial when delivering an event in a destination as unique as Whakaraupō. Spanning over nearly five years, we continue to build on our relationship with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke and strengthen our understanding of Te Ao Māori,” says Loren Aberhart, General Manager of Destination and Attraction for ChristchurchNZ.
“We are delighted to once again focus on delivering an event that upholds the mana of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, respects Te Tiriti and mana whenua, while proudly showcasing the indigenous culture of Aotearoa to the world."
SailGP athletes, crew and staff will be welcomed once again through a traditional pōwhiri at Rāpaki Marae. The partnership has also created other opportunities for Whakaraupō and rangatahi learning through the Inspire Programme.
Mishele Radford, Chair of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki says they are looking forward to welcoming SailGP manuhiri once again.
“As mana whenua we look forward again, to sharing our taiaio (environment), our culture and the stories of our tūpuna with the rest of the world.”
