The 36th America's Cup starts today
Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa will match boats and crews in the 36th America's Cup match.
Racing resumes today and Friday under Covid-19 alert level 2 restrictions, with two races per day between 4pm and 6pm.
Defender Emirates Team New Zealand will take on Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in the battle to win the 36th America's Cup in Auckland.
The first team to win 7 races takes home the Auld Mug.
Auckland Unlimited destination general manager Steve Armitage said despite Auckland's lockdowns delaying the regatta, the city was still expecting a successful final match with support from Auckland and around the country.
“We’ve been waiting for this moment since Team New Zealand’s win in 2017 and it’s finally here," Armitage said.
"While it’s great that there are so many ways to watch from home, you don’t want to miss out on the buzz and atmosphere happening right here in Auckland.
“It has been a challenging period, but Auckland has been here before and we’ve demonstrated our resilience and ability to adapt through tough times like these.”
Under level 2 restrictions, the Race Village will not be activating with screenings of the racing but the surrounding bars and restaurants will remain open.
Armitage said many Summernova events would resume in the weekend if Auckland was shifted to alert level 1.
A virtual performance from Sir Rod Stewart was planned in the lead up to Saturday's racing, he said.
Rock the Dock, a joint venture between Tourism New Zealand and Auckland Unlimited, will see Stewart perform his hit song, ‘Sailing’ virtually from London for all of Auckland and New Zealand to join in.
The event will be beamed onto the big screen in the America’s Cup Race Village on March 13 from 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm and will be broadcast by TVNZ.
The singalong will also be screened at Summernova’s Race Days by the Sea, Waterbourne Beach Festival and Kia Kotahi Race Days at Takaparawhau Bastion Point.
If Auckland drops to alert level 1 in time for the weekend's racing, these Summernova festival events will hit the super city:
Waterbourne Beach Festival at Takapuna Beach Reserve, Kia Kotahi Race Days at Takaparawhau, Bastion Point, Race Days by the Sea at Windsor Reserve, Devonport, and Love your Maunga ki Maungauika at Devonport's North Head.
Live music will feature at Komititanga Square and Mission Bay on Saturday and Sunday from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm, with free face painting and bubble stations for the children.
Dock out shows, cultural displays and entertainment will hit the Race Village under alert level 1.
Are you planning to watch the racing?
Will you go down to see it in person or view it from home?
Who do you think is going to take home the Auld Mug?
*Please put NFP if you do not want your comments used by Stuff.
Singer Rod Stewart. Photographer: Denise Truscello.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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82.3% Yes
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15% No
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2.7% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
The Story of Hine and Tāne Mahuta - Day 12
Long ago, Hine-te-Aroha, a daughter of the great chief Tāwhaki, was known for her beauty and devotion to the atua (gods). She was deeply connected to Tāne Mahuta, the atua of the forest and creator of humankind. In a past life, Hine had pledged herself to Tāne Mahuta, dedicating her aroha (love) and wairua (spirit) to him.
However, her father Tāwhaki disapproved of Tāne Mahuta. He saw Tāne as a humble being who spent his days nurturing the ngahere (forest) and the creatures of the world, living a simple life far from the wealth and prestige of a chief. Tāwhaki wanted his daughter to marry a great warrior or chief, someone who could uphold their mana (status). When Tāwhaki held a grand celebration to find a suitable match for Hine, Tāne Mahuta, knowing his humble lifestyle would draw scorn, chose not to attend.
Despite Tāne’s warning, Hine attended the celebration out of loyalty to her father. During the festivities, Tāwhaki openly ridiculed Tāne Mahuta, speaking of his simple ways and lack of riches. Hine, unable to bear the insults to her beloved, declared her undying love for Tāne and consigned herself to the ceremonial fire, joining the wairua realm.
Tāne Mahuta, upon learning of this, was overwhelmed with aroha and grief. He sent his mighty winds, led by Tāwhirimātea, to dismantle Tāwhaki’s gathering and humble the chief for his arrogance. Yet, Tāne’s love for Hine remained steadfast, and he vowed to bring her back. Hine was reborn as Hine-te-Waiora, the daughter of the sacred mountain ranges.
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The Test of Devotion
As she grew, Hine-te-Waiora remembered her bond with Tāne Mahuta and began her karakia (prayers) to him. She vowed to marry only Tāne, despite her father showing her many wealthy and powerful suitors. Her devotion turned into months of rigorous karakia and fasting atop a sacred maunga (mountain).
The ngahere (forest) around her became peaceful, the winds softened, and even the fiercest creatures of the wild grew tame in her presence. Seasons came and went, but her focus never wavered.
Meanwhile, Tāne Mahuta, still grieving his past loss, had vowed never to take another partner. However, the atua noticed the chaos spreading in the human world as malevolent forces thrived unchecked. It was prophesied that only a child born of Tāne Mahuta and Hine-te-Waiora could restore balance.
To test her aroha and devotion, Tāne disguised himself as an old koroua (elder) and visited her. Pretending to doubt Tāne’s worth, he mocked him, saying, “Why would you dedicate yourself to a humble atua who lives among trees and birds? You could marry a great chief who could provide wealth and status.”
Hine-te-Waiora, though respectful, became enraged. “You may be an elder, but your words dishonor the one I love. Tāne Mahuta is the kaitiaki (guardian) of all life, and his mana is unmatched. I will hear no more of your insults!”
At that moment, the koroua revealed himself as Tāne Mahuta. “You have proven your unwavering aroha and devotion,” he said with pride. He took her as his bride, and together they returned to the sacred ngahere to restore harmony to the world.
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Moral of the Story
This story teaches us that aroha (love) and pono (devotion) have the power to overcome all obstacles. When guided by sincerity and deep faith, even the greatest challenges can be transformed. Like Hine-te-Waiora, we are reminded to remain steadfast in our values and trust in the wairua to guide us. True love is not swayed by wealth or appearances but rooted in deep connection and understanding. Through aroha and devotion, balance and harmony can be restored to ourselves and the world around us.
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