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The New Zealand Team have received their ‘Manawaroa’ pounamu, a special koha from Ngāi Tahu Pounamu to carry with them on their journey to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in February.
This gifting continues a more than 20-year tradition where each Olympic and Paralympic team member has been gifted a pounamu pendant carved by Waewae Pounamu, to help unite and inspire athletes while competing for their country.
New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) CEO, Nicki Nicol reinforced the importance of the more than two decade partnership with Ngāi Tahu Pounamu, as a key source of inspiration and motivation for the New Zealand Team.
‘Manawaroa’ is carved from a single piece of pounamu sourced from Te Tai o Poutini - the West Coast of the South Island, a region rich in cultural significance for Poutini Ngāi Tahu.
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The name reflects the enduring strength and connection to home that the New Zealand Team will carry with them to Italy. Like mountains that stand as symbols of resilience and support, this pounamu will offer strength and guidance to the athletes as they strive for excellence on the world stage.
The pendants will travel to Italy with the Olympic and Paralympic teams, where they will be presented to each athlete and team support member as they are welcomed into the Olympic village.
NZOC Chef de Mission Marty Toomey said the ceremony was a continuation of the NZ Team gaining a deeper understanding of the significance behind the special taonga.
“After attending the first-ever Winter Wānanga in Greymouth earlier this year, members of our team have been able to observe and understand the entire pounamu process...
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“Today is another step in being deeply embedded in the pounamu process, these moments have certainly helped strengthen the connection between the New Zealand Team and Ngāi Tahu Pounamu, the true kaitiaki (guardians) of pounamu,” said Toomey.
Ngāi Tahu Pounamu carver, Mahana Coulston, shared his thoughts on the cultural process of gifting this taonga.
The act of gifting pounamu is not just about the physical pendant,” said Coulston.
“It’s about the shared history, the whakapapa (genealogy) and the connection to the land. Pounamu holds deep spiritual significance for Poutini Ngāi Tahu. When we carve a piece of pounamu, we are not only shaping stone but also honouring our tupuna (ancestors) and strengthening the bonds of kinship.
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Earlier in the year at the Winter Wānanga, Olympic gold medallist Zoi Sadowski-Synnott said she felt incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn more about the meaning and history of pounamu.
“The pounamu we receive at the Games is incredibly special, but having this experience gives us a deeper understanding of what it truly represents,” she said.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been a part of something like this, and it’s really special to have been welcomed so warmly, with Poutini Ngāi Tahu sharing their history, culture and family with us.”
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games will take place from 6 - 22 February 2026 across iconic Italian alpine venues.
Eight athletes have been conditionally selected to the NZ Team, with a further athlete selection announcement expected in January 2026.