Returning here to Tāmaki Makaurau,
to today's big event,
which runs until March.
Of course,
I'm talking about the America's Cup.
Te Okiwa Mclean joins us from Ōrākei Marae live.
As we know, Team NZ's first rival to take on today in the world series
are the Italians, Luna Rossa.
Te Okiwa, please tell us what you know.
Scotty, let me just say it's nice outside
and it's a beautiful day to take the boats
onto the Waitematā.
As you can see behind
there's the first course that'll be used by the crews for today’s event.
This morning, however,
I spoke to the Māori artist who created the art
that will be used for televised America's Cup events
and who was also responsible for decorating the media centre
at Pūpūtarakihi with his artwork,
which is where you are sitting right now, Scotty.
He told me this morning
that this is perhaps one of his most prominent art pieces ever.
Gazing over his artwork on display for the world to see.
Johnson Witehira was commissioned as the Māori art designer
for the 36th America's Cup.
The artwork showcases and intertwines the relationship
of the Māori gods,
such as Tangaroa, Tāwhiri and Ranginui,
to this popular sport.
Witehira was commissioned by TVNZ to put the art piece together.
It was important for him to apply a Māori lens to the project.
He says there are lots of things to learn from
in the stories about the Māori gods.
He has dedicated his life to the arts
and has had his work exhibited and displayed
around the country and the world.
He believes this project is one of his most prominent.
This artwork is on display for the multitudes from near and far
to feast their eyes on
for the entire duration of the America's Cup.
I am now joined by tikanga advisor and Ngāti Whātua spokesperson,
Joe Pihema.
Tēnā koe.
And so, today we have boats hitting your ocean,
the Waitematā,
how does that make you feel?
My friend, the sun shines upon these peaceful lands
of Ngāti Whātua.
Yes, the seas behind us are shining,
the Waitematā on one side,
and Tīkapa Moana on the other.
I'm happy.
I'm happy that today the races start today.
For a long time,
we of Ngāti Whātua and the organisers of this great event
have been preparing so everything can go off without a hitch.
The day has come and there haven't been any problems
and I'm glad.
Yes, we understand.
So, now the rituals for formally opening the event
and the use of the buildings
have concluded to ensure that people are safe throughout this event.
So, what role will Ngāti Whātua play now?
So we have performed most of the formal protocols already.
We have found a relationship between ourselves
and the organisers,
the chiefs of this event,
as well as one with Team NZ through Grant Dalton.
He's told us that the doors are always open for us.
So we used the building several days ago.
So all we're doing is providing support.
There will be a time when Team NZ will come and visit us
to cement that relationship further
because they understand we as mana whenua
are supporting Team NZ. So we are backing them.
So, Ngāti Whātua aren't strangers when it comes to waka.
Do you think the name of this competition
should be changed to the Ngāti Whātua Cup?
That would be amazing!
Well, it's appropriate.
We are the main iwi partner
in this event ever since it began here
when the cup first arrived.
Perhaps it could become the Ngāti Whātua Cup.
Well, who knows!
We'll find out soon enough perhaps.
Well, there you have it, everyone,
straight from the horse's mouth of mana whenua.
Tomorrow, our bulletin will air again at 12:30 pm.
The races themselves start at 2 pm this afternoon
between New Zealand and Italy, Scotty.
Thank you Te Okiwa and Joe.
What a great idea to rename the competition to Ngāti Whātua Cup.
Thanks, Te Okiwa!