Sparky, the world's first full sized ship handling electric tugboat, was blessed by our local iwi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
The ceremony was held to bless Sparky prior to operational use and to officially hand her over from Damen, her manufacturer, to her forever home - Ports of Auckland.
A special thanks to Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Chair Marama Royal for being Sparky's godmother and giving Sparky her ingoa Māori, ‘Tiaki’. We were also thrilled to have Maartje ten Brummelaar (Deputy Dutch Ambassador), Phil Goff (Mayor), Chlöe Swarbrick (Auckland Central MP) and other key councillors and dignitaries attend the event.
The ceremony ended with the traditional champagne smash - where a bottle of champagne is smashed against Sparky - and a quick ride on the Waitematā Harbour for our special guests ⚡️