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The America’s Cup Regatta has started on the Waitematā Harbour, and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is in the thick of it.
As well as its marae and tribal lands serving as a viewing platform, it welcomed the international sailors to the America’s Cup Village on the viaduct yesterday.
Trust board chair Marama Royal says it was a great expression of the hapū as ahi kaa of central Tāmaki Makaurau, and a chance to share culture and tikanga.
It has also given the names Te Rehutai for Team New Zealand defending boat, Te Pou for the New Zealand House visitor’s centre in the Cup Village, and Pupu Tarakihi for the broadcasting centre.
That name comes from the nautilus shell which features in tribal waiata.
"When Apihai Te Kawau invited Governor Hobson down to Tāmaki Makaurau to set Auckland as the capital of New Zealand, it was the vision that our tūpuna Titahi says he said 'what is that wind that comes from the north? Is this the opportunity for our people?' The billowing sails that brought Governor Hobson in, that looked like the pupu tarakihi, the nautilus shell," Ms Royal says.
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