KEY POINTS:
Toi Maori performed a "diluted" haka in the opening ceremony of the America's Cup in Valencia tonight because of fears the stage was not strong enough to accommodate a full scale haka. And any chances of the waka, Te Ika a Maui, accompanying Team New Zealand were squashed as being too dangerous.
America's Cup Management said it was too dangerous for the waka to take part as it would be dark by the time the ceremony began at 9.30pm.
Hopes that a full haka would be performed on the main stage when the Emirates Team NZ black boat sailed past were ruled out because the stage was not sturdy enough.
Singer Hinewehi Mohi performed with a handful of dancers doing a "light version of the haka".
However, eight Toi Maori performers performed the haka on board the Team NZ boat during the opening parade.
Tourism NZ chief executive George Hickton said the two major events planned for Valencia were a function at the Team NZ base to welcome the waka and plans for the waka to accompany the race boat to the course of the first day of the Louis Vuitton Cup on Monday night (NZT).
He said Team NZ's offer to take the performers on board was probably more effective.
"It is not our show, it is their show," he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Helen Clark is taking to the water as part of Team New Zealand's America's Cup campaign.
She is to be on the black boat as the 18th "man" when it hits the water against Mascalzone Latino in the first round of the Louis Vuitton Cup next Tuesday morning.
The PM considers it an enormous privilege and says what better way to show your support for Team New Zealand than to join it.
Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton says the team is honoured to have the PM on board and believes it will be a great way to kick off the challenger series.
(additional reporting: Newstalk ZB)
