New Zealand Olympians Carry a Piece of Home with Maori Pendants

The New Zealand Olympic team receives 'pounamu' pendants, crafted by the Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Maori tribe, as tokens of respect and a reminder of home. These special jade pendants symbolize the athletes' cultural heritage and unity, providing emotional support during their time in Paris.

No matter where they finish in their Olympic events, the entire New Zealand team will head home from Paris with pounamu pendants around their necks. These meaningful tokens, made by the Maori tribe Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, serve as reminders of home while competing for medals.

The 550 hand-crafted pendants were fashioned from Tahutahi pounamu or snowflake jade, a rare green stone native to New Zealand, over the course of a year. 'It's a privilege to be gifted one,' Kiwi rower Phillip Wilson told Reuters, noting the sense of respect and unity the pendants engender among team members at the Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium.

The tradition-rich pounamu stones strengthen connections to New Zealand, as rowers like Dan Williamson wear them during competitions. 'It's a little reminder of home wherever you go,' Williamson said, highlighting the pride in representing New Zealand. Athletes chose their pendants in Paris during a special ceremony, aligning with the Maori belief that the stone selects its recipient.

(With inputs from agencies.)