The Mana Wave wins big at the Olympics
From the side of road works on the East Coast to the Paris Olympics, the now iconic kiwi wave is hitting the world stage
Behind the Panels
Many Kiwi athletes competing at the Paris Olympics have brought the iconic Mana Wave to the world stage, some after clinching gold and silver wins.
For those unaware of what the mana wave is, it is essentially a wave thrown with all your might high in the air, or as Bay Traffic Management worker Raana Te Hau who went viral on TikTok with the wave puts it, “it’s just my kaha and my ihi inside of me, coming out of me.”
It’s become a staple of roadworkers and those in traffic over the summer just been as a way to pass the time, as well as keeping spirits up, as one worker put it; “giving everyone inspiration as they go past to keep happy.”
Since the wave went viral, it’s found itself being thrown all across sport, first on the rugby sevens circuit and now at the Olympics. Just a few examples include Finn Butcher during his introduction before his gold medal-winning paddle in the kayak cross (see below), silver medal-winning sailors Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie who saluted with the wave on their way to the podium, and the Black Ferns Sevens, who chucked up Manas after winning the gold medal match.
It’s nice to see something so uniquely Kiwi, uniquely Māori, being used as a gesture of celebration after huge feats of accomplishment on the world stage. Especially during a time when our government seems intent on squashing out Māori representation and rights.
let’s all pray whichever nerd runs Christopher Luxon’s socials doesn’t catch on and we don’t see him on TikTok ruining the wave for everyone.
Danz.