Kiwi Racer Honors Māori Roots with Custom Supercars Design

Ryan Wood's Toyota Supra will carry more than speed into this weekend's race in Darwin. It will carry his story.

The Upper Hutt-born Supercars driver unveiled a custom livery celebrating his Māori heritage ahead of the Indigenous Round in Australia's Top End. The design, called Mangōpare (hammerhead shark in Māori), wraps his racing car in traditional patterns that represent strength, resilience, and protection.

"This livery means a lot to me," Wood said. "Growing up in New Zealand, I've always been proud of my Māori heritage through Mum's side of the family, and to be able to celebrate a culture that means a lot to me in this way is really special."

Contemporary Māori artist Petera Te Hiwirori Hatea created the artwork, drawing inspiration from a traditional proverb: "Do not die like an octopus, die fighting like a hammerhead shark." The design also features the Pītau-a-Manaia pattern, symbolizing the support of Wood's family, friends, team, and commercial partners.

Wood approached his team at Walkinshaw TWG Racing with the idea, and they jumped at the opportunity. He stayed closely involved throughout the creative process to ensure the design authentically reflected his identity and culture.

For Hatea, whose ancestral lineage connects him to the Rongowhakaata, Tūhoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, and Ngāpuhi iwi, the project became something deeper. While Wood doesn't know his specific tribal affiliations, the artist helped him understand that "simply being Māori is more than enough."

Why This Inspires

Wood's decision to showcase his heritage on one of motorsport's biggest stages sends a powerful message about cultural pride and identity. In a sport historically dominated by European and American traditions, his custom livery creates space for Indigenous representation and celebration.

"I hope it serves as a reminder of where he comes from, what he is connected to, and the powerful things that can be created from embracing that identity and culture," Hatea said. The collaboration has helped Wood connect more deeply with his Māori roots while sharing that journey with the entire Supercars community.

Bruce Stewart, the team's Kiwi CEO, expressed pride in how Wood has embraced and shared this important part of his identity. The livery represents more than just a paint job. It's a bridge between past and present, tradition and innovation, personal identity and professional achievement.

When Wood takes to the track in Darwin, he'll carry the strength of his ancestors with him.