When the expected local and global broadcast audience of more than 50 million people tune in to watch the ITM New Zealand SailGP Grand Prix | Christchurch, one of the first things they will see is a beautifully carved waka leading out the hi-tech, high-flying F50 catamarans on Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour.
That moment will mark an important milestone in the relationship that has been forged over the past three years between the global racing league SailGP, the host city agency ChristchurchNZ and Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Rāpaki, who hold kaitiakitanga (guardianship) over Whakaraupō.
To mark that journey and to celebrate the shared connection with the moana (sea) that have defined both Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Rāpaki and SailGP, the three partners took the opportunity to showcase the unique beauty and culture of Whakaraupō.
Tutehounuku (Nuk) Korako, Chair Rāpaki SailGP Organising Komiti says, “It is fantastic to be able to build connections through the SailGP event. Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki is pleased to be able to show manaakitanga while sharing our tikanga, values and the stories of our tūpuna with the rest of the world.”
Tutehounuku (Nuk) Korako - Chair Rāpaki SailGP Organising KomitiIt is fantastic to be able to build connections through the SailGP event. Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki is pleased to be able to show manaakitanga while sharing our tikanga, values and the stories of our tūpuna with the rest of the world.”
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.
“We had a unique opportunity SailGP to truly create something special. Respecting Te Tiriti and mana whenua, we are partnering with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Rāpaki to host the first SailGP event in New Zealand in a way that upholds mana and fosters understanding of Te Ao Māori,” says Tracey Wilson, Acting General Manager of Destination and Attraction for ChristchurchNZ.
Tracey Wilson - Acting General Manager of Destination and Attraction for ChristchurchNZWe had a unique opportunity SailGP to truly create something special. Respecting Te Tiriti and mana whenua, we are partnering with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Rāpaki to host the first SailGP event in New Zealand in a way that upholds mana and fosters understanding of Te Ao Māori,”
While showcasing the stories and culture of Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki to the world through the video, the pōwhiri, and the waka lead-out, the partnership created other opportunities including rangatahi learning through the Inspire Programme, raising capability in running events, and the legacy benefit of a SailGP purpose project, the restoration of the Ōmaru Stream at Rāpaki. These valuable legacies are breathing life into the whakatauki Mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei – for us and our children.
Karl Budge, SailGP’s Head of the New Zealand Event says, “It’s been a privilege to stage the first-ever ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix with our partners, Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Rāpaki, and ChristchurchNZ by our sides. Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour is an enormously special place and we’ve valued not only the guidance of the hapū throughout our journey, but their warm manaakitanga in welcoming SailGP, our staff, visiting teams, friends and families to the region.”
