Around sixty members of the New Zealand team are preparing to march into the Olympic Stadium tonight as the opening of the London Olympic Games gets underway.
Led by Flag Bearer Nick Willis, the New Zealand Olympic Team will be wearing a classic black uniform emblazoned with a silver fern and the constellation of the Southern Cross. Designed by prominent Maori artist, Rangi Kipa and manufactured by clothing partner Peak, the uniform also features the words of the Maori proverb Tini Whetuu, e iti, te Pookeeao.
The proverb loosely translates as a small cluster of warriors can defeat a great army, said Chef de Mission of the New Zealand Olympic Team Dave Currie. Its a powerful message for a team from the other side of the world.
Currie added that the atmosphere at the New Zealand Olympic Team residence is upbeat tonight.
Athletes including Bevan Docherty, Quentin Rew and Olivia Powrie and their team mates have come in especially for the occasion and the level of excitement is building, he said. Our athletes are proud to be representing their country and wearing clothing featuring symbols of our Pacific nation.
In addition to athletes from sailing, triathlon and athletics, the sixty-strong team includes Olympians from hockey, judo, taekwondo, shooting, canoe slalom, boxing, swimming and weightlifting.
Chef de Mission Dave Currie was delighted with the turn out and is looking forward to marching, taking his place at the back of the team.
The team is preparing to head off from the New Zealand residence at 2140 for the one and a half kilometre walk to the Olympic Stadium.
With the later departure time for the team, some of the athletes are taking the opportunity to have a nap before the big night gets underway.
