Te Iwi Kiwi jersey captures Pacific roots

Te Iwi Kiwi jersey captures Pacific roots

When the NZ Kiwis run onto Whangarei’s Toll Stadium for their Four Nations clash with Toa Samoa on November 1, they will pay homage to their own Pacific Island roots in the form of the Te Iwi Kiwi jersey.

The uniform, designed by New Zealand Rugby League cultural advisor Ora Kihi and created by BLK, will feature a specially designed motif inspired by both Maori and Pacific influences.

This jersey will become a regular feature of the Kiwis kit, worn whenever New Zealand plays another Pacific Island nation in a test fixture.

“We’ve spent quite a bit of time and effort recently, trying to define a Kiwis team culture,” explains NZRL high performance general manager Tony Iro. “We believe understanding what makes us tick will also bring us closer to the people we represent and play this game for.

“The haka is a key part of that, but we’re also keenly aware that our team and our sport borrows from many different cultures. That’s what makes us strong.

“And that’s what ‘Te Iwi Kiwi’ is all about – a house for all.”

The Kiwis Four Nations squad features several players of Pacific Island heritage, while the Samoan side also includes players who have worn the black-and-white jersey of New Zealand previously.

“Eligibility rules allow players to represent more than more country during their careers and, in the end, it is up to the player which country he chooses,” says Iro.

“But our team takes on a little of the character of each and every member, whether that be players or staff, so it’s important we acknowledge that contribution.

“We respect our Pacific brothers and their cultures immensely, and understand that they go into the melting pot that helps make up our own unique culture.”

Replicas of the collector’s-item jersey will be on sale at the stadium and also online, through the New Zealand Rugby League and BLK websites.

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