As part of New Zealand’s Olympic campaign, Te Puni Kōkiri helped NZ Māori Tourism produce bilingual anthem booklets that are proving popular in London. Singing our national song in Māori isn’t an issue in 2012, but that’s not always been the case.

All Black Test, Twickenham, 1999: A defining moment in NZ race relations as Ngāti Kahungunu songstress Hinewehi Mohi sings the anthem in Māori. While welcoming the NZ Olympic Committee to Te Puni Kōkiri recently, Māori Affairs Minister Hon Dr Pita Sharples paid tribute to Hinewehi and her courage to sing in te reo Māori.

“Thirteen years later? The Māori language has outlived its critics. The sky has not fallen in. Outrage lives on in only the most extremist pockets of our communities. But in our schools, our children know their anthem in the official languages of their nation. And for that, I thank you Hinewehi. I have to say for someone who says she’s not an activist: she’s a pretty good one!”

The Olympic Committee members were at Te Puni Kōkiri for the handover of taonga Māori to this year’s Olympic team. Worn by the flag bearer during the opening ceremony, the korowai – Te Mahutonga – was gifted by the late Dame Te Atairangikaahu in 2004. The same year, Te Rūnanga O Ngāi Tahu gave the Olympic team another koha: pounamu – a pendant and large mauri stone. New Zealand’s top athletes now have taonga Māori at their side, protecting them, giving them strength and carrying the aroha of a nation said Dr Sharples.

Māori participation in the Olympics isn’t new: eighty years ago rower Hoani McDonald from Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka A Māui was the NZ Olympic Team’s flag bearer at the historic 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games. His descendents travelled to Wellington in June to participate in the taonga handover ceremony.

“New Zealand’s culture is unique and helps unite our team,” says Chef de Mission Dave Currie.

“New Zealand was formed in a spirit of partnership and our Māori traditions and culture are integral to our Olympic Games environment.”

NZ Māori Tourism is working closely with the NZ Olympic Team in London 2012, promoting “Kia ora” branding at Kiwi House headquarters. With the theme of the taonga handover “Celebrating our culture through sport” Dr Sharples praised the NZ Olympic Committee and Māori Tourism for their leadership.

“During the Rugby World Cup last year, Te Puni Kōkiri was at the forefront of work to celebrate Māori culture throughout that exciting event. This year I am proud to see the NZ Olympic Committee carrying this on.”

Citing the use of haka and waiata by top athletes – and even Māori Battalion soldiers during WWII – Dr Sharples said Māori culture remains a living touchstone connecting all New Zealanders back to their homeland no matter where they are in the world.