An event guided by a local kaitiaki

In January 2024, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series Final landed at Wynyard Quarter, Tāmaki Makaurau. Over 50,000 spectators gathered to witness 24 world-class divers leap from an epic 27-metre tower, perched above the Waitematā.
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Te Kawau — The Living Symbol of the Event
The eight-storey diving platform became the visual and spiritual centrepiece, wrapped in the form of Te Kawau — the Black Shag — a manu (bird) known for its fearless dives within our surrounding waters. Conceptually, Te Kawau stood poised, wings outstretched, protecting and embodying the kaupapa.

More than a motif, Te Kawau became a call to action. Each diver was invited to me he kawau mārō — to dive with clarity, courage, and intent. Every leap honoured the story gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and brought its spirit to life.
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A Kaupapa of Collaboration
This was more than a creative installation — it was a true partnership. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei shared not only a narrative, but a worldview grounded in whakapapa, whenua, and whanaungatanga. Artist Graham Tipene’s design gave form to that wairua — connecting people, place, and purpose.
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Tūhonohono — Weaving Global Spectacle with Local Identity
While Red Bull’s Cliff Diving Series is of International status, this edition was uniquely Aotearoa. Te Kawau transformed the arena into a platform of cultural resonance — where sport became ritual, and performance became tribute.
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Ngā mihi nunui ki a Red Bull, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Graham Tipene, and all who helped bring this kaupapa to life.

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