Making history at Te Ātea

The local community turned it on yesterday for the official VinFast IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship pōwhiri at Te Ātea on Taupō’s lakefront!

Local iwi Ngāti Tūwharetoa, led by Matua Snow Rameka and hundreds of local school children joined together to greet the manuhiri (visitors), with haka, waiata and whaikōrero (speeches), followed by a speech by Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas.

A Parade of Nations followed the pōwhiri, with the athletes proudly displaying the flags of their nations as they walked to the IRONMAN event village on Tongariro North Domain.

A huge thank you to The Haka Shop, IRONMAN and council organisers and all the athletes and locals who turned out to join in the pōwhiri and watch the parade – it was a great event and we’re excited for what the weekend’s racing will bring.