“Kotahi tatou, we are one” were the words that greeted members of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) as they brought the America’s Cup to be blessed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei this morning in Auckland.
The Cup and representatives from Toyota New Zealand, Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) and RNZYS were welcomed onto the marae where the oldest international sporting trophy received the Iwi’s blessing ahead of the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.
Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will play a significant role at the Cup’s defence as they will provide a waka escort for ETNZ and their AC75 ‘Taihoro’, ahead of the races.
Josh Wijohn. Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour. 16 September 2024. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Photo: Suellen Hurling / Live Sail Die
International competitive sailor Josh Wijohn (Te rarawa and Tuhoe) represented RNZYS on the marae and highlighted how valued the welcome and blessing were for all involved.
“Everyone involved in bringing Aotearoa to the world stage in Barcelona are filled with pride and purpose”, said Wijohn. “From the team on the Waka to the team on Taihoro this is all about showing New Zealand at its best and today’s blessing means we carry that goodwill with all of us on this journey.”
The blessing was also part of the Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour that is now in its third week of touring the America’s Cup throughout New Zealand.
Toyota New Zealand Assistant Vice President, Susanne Hardy, says the tour has been a huge success and all that Toyota hoped it would be.
“The success of the tour has been fantastic. Having the Cup blessed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei prior to it making its way to Barcelona is an important part of the journey” she says.
“The schools, yacht clubs and communities waiting at Toyota Stores has shown just how many people have a special connection to ETNZ,” said RNZYS General Manager Sarah Wiblin. “The messages of support left on the sail of support, to the handwritten notes posted to the team is pushing them forward to just send it come race day”.
The Toyota Kiwi Cup Tour continues with its final stops in Northland, Warkworth and Auckland City this week concluding on Thursday at Grey Lynn Toyota.
More details are available at kiwicuptour.co.nz/tour
