NZ Team Receive ‘Manawaroa’ Pounamu For Olympic Winter Games

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.

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. From the sourcing of the stone to the artistry, the carving and cultural significance behind it - it’s been special to be part of this pounamu journey.

“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.

“This pounamu, Manawaroa, carries the love and support of our people, and we hope it will offer the athletes strength, protection and a connection home to Aotearoa as they embark on their Olympic journey.”

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.”

“I can’t wait to receive this taonga in Milano Cortina, it’s something that connects us to home and reminds us of what we’re representing every time we step out to compete.”

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.

Notes:

Manawaroa means resilient and encompasses fortitude, endurance, grit and stamina.

Whakapapa of ‘Manawaroa’ design:

This taonga embodies two significant designs, each carrying deep meaning and purpose for the athletes it represents.

The first design is Poutama, a traditional pattern symbolising the journey of growth, perseverance and achievement. Poutama represents the ascending steps of progress, the challenges and obstacles faced and the determination required to rise above them. For these athletes, it stands as a powerful acknowledgment of their personal and collective journeys: the training, sacrifices and unwavering commitment that have shaped them into who they are today. It also recognises the immense support of their whānau whose encouragement and belief have guided them along every step of their path.

The second design is Tāniko, a traditional weaving pattern that in this context symbolises a maunga (mountain). The maunga holds great cultural and spiritual significance, representing strength, stability, endurance and connection to the land. As maunga athletes, this design pays tribute to their relationship with the natural world the mountains they conquer, the challenges they embrace and the mana they uphold through their discipline and achievements. Incorporating the Tāniko design into this taonga acknowledges their deep connection to both their environment and their identity as tangata whenua.

Together, the Poutama and Tāniko designs weave a story of resilience, identity and pride, celebrating not only individual excellence but also collective strength and whakapapa. This taonga stands as a reminder of where they have come from, what they have achieved and the values that continue to guide them forward.

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