New Zealand Team Māori Success in Paris Shines at Māori Sports Awards
The success of the New Zealand Team – Te Kapa o Aotearoa – on and off the field of play at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has taken centre stage at the 34th Māori Sports Awards.
10 Māori gold medallists were recognised at the awards ceremony in Tauranga on 30 November, including Ellesse Andrews (cycling), Olivia Brett (canoe sprint), Dame Lisa Carrington (canoe sprint), and Women’s Rugby Sevens members Sarah Hirini, Tyla King, Manaia Nuku, Mahina Paul, Risaleaana Pouri-Lane, Stacey Waaka, and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe.
Three-time Paris gold medallist Dame Lisa Carrington was named Māori Sportswoman of the Year and crowned overall Māori Sportsperson of the Year – the ninth time she has won the coveted award. Māori athletes played a pivotal role in making Paris 2024 the most successful Olympic Games in New Zealand’s history, part of winning 9 of New Zealand’s 20 medals.
The team’s performance outside of Olympic competitions was also commended. From athletes speaking te reo Māori, casting massive mana waves, performing haka with passion and pride to powerful displays of tikanga and teaching French fans to poi; the increased visibility and exposure of Māori culture carried by the New Zealand Team in Paris was the strongest in Olympic history.
A special taonga, the Te Pou Herenga Tahi Te Tohu Taakaro Trustees Award, was presented to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) for weaving te ao Māori into the New Zealand Team throughout its Paris 2024 Olympic Games campaign.
The Māori Sports Awards panel credited the NZOC for its powerful use of te reo Māori, tikanga, and Māori performing arts that had an unprecedented, positive impact, both at home and across the world.
CEO Nicki Nicol credits the team’s culture of manaaki and Māori leadership and support for its success.
“Māori culture is one of the most important elements that sets us apart from everyone else,” says Nicol.
“We are fortunate to be supported by a strong cohort of Māori leaders, who help to grow our cultural capabilities. I especially wish to thank our Team Matua, Tā Derek Lardelli and Pouwhiringa Oriini Kaipara for guiding, leading and connecting our team through te ao Māori, enabling them to stand proud on the biggest sporting event in the world.”
A number of Olympic firsts were also achieved, including the first official Olympic glossary in Māori, the attendance of the first Māori monarch, the late Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII, and his whānau, and the involvement of the Te Matatini kapa haka team – Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti, to share and celebrate Māori culture with the world.
NZOC Board Chair Diana Puketapu-Lyndon says the recognition is a first for the organisation since it began integrating Māori culture across its work in 2004.
“It has taken many years of embracing our rich indigenous cultuire,” says Puketapu-Lyndon.
“It is truly humbling to be recognised for the contribution we are making to ensure te ao Māori is at the heart of who we are and what we do, and that was reflected proudly in Paris, by all our team.
“I wish to also pay tribute to the success of our Māori Olympians recognised by these awards. To be able to celebrate 10 Olympians – all female, mana wāhine – is truly remarkable. Congratulations to each of you and to your whānau and support. Thank you also for inspiring the next generation of Olympic athletes amongst our Māori communities both at home and across the world.”
