|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Weightlifter David Liti and judo athlete Moira de Villiers have been the New Zealand team’s flag bearer and baton bearer for the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Liti was chosen as Pou Hāpai – Tāne to carry the New Zealand flag, while de Villiers was named Pou Hāpai – Wahine carried Te Kaunoti, New Zealand’s King’s Baton, into the ceremony held earlier this Friday morning NZ time.
They were formally announced by New Zealand team chef de mission Nigel Avery at a special gathering of athletes, partners, friends and whānau at New Zealand House in Glasgow.
De Villiers said receiving the call from Avery was a special moment.
“When I got the call, it was unbelievable. This is a chance for me to represent not only my family and my club, but the entire nation and it’s such a special thing to be a representative for judo as well.
“The New Zealand team feels like one big whānau. We all just come together, support and lead with each other.
“It’s an honour to carry the baton and I hope I can make everyone proud.”
Liti said carrying the flag is a privilege and something he’s very proud of.
“I think back to my first Commonwealth Games, when we went to the opening ceremony and I thought carrying the flag was a dream that would never come around.
“Fast forward two Commonwealth Games later and here I am with the same opportunity to represent everyone and uphold the standards of the athletes from the New Zealand team.
“There are so many kids in New Zealand that I want to make proud. I want them to grow up and know anything is possible.
“By carrying the flag for the New Zealand team, I’m showing those kids to dream big.”
Avery said the naming of Ngā Pou Hāpai (flag bearer and baton bearer) is one of the highest honours for a New Zealand team member.
“David and Moira are highly respected members of this team.
“They lead through their actions and the way they support and inspire those around them along with the pride they take in representing Aotearoa New Zealand shines through.
“We couldn’t ask for two better people to carry the flag and baton into Glasgow 2026.”
Avery elaborated further on the reasons for selecting Liti and de Villiers as New Zealand team Ngā Pou Hāpai.
“David personifies the culture and values of the team. He puts himself out there, he makes himself available, he’s super well liked amongst his peers and is seriously humble.
“I just think he’s a great fit to carry our flag.
“I remember a social post from Moira of her stitching a fern onto her singlet from a previous Games where each of her family members took turns at putting some stitches in it.
“That just shows the love she has for our country and our team. Her first Commonwealth Games medal was here in Glasgow 12 years ago, so this is a bit of a full circle moment, and I know she’s ready to go.”
Aotearoa New Zealand is represented by 114 competing team members at Glasgow 2026.
