Te Ao Hou - a new dawn for NZ Maori Jersey

As New Zealand Maori prepare to celebrate the Centenary of the team in the Sealord New Zealand Maori Centenary Series, a new jersey - Te Ao Hou (The New Dawn) was officially blessed in Wellington today, linking the 2010 players with their predecessors.

Commemorating 100 years of Maori rugby, the jersey was blessed by New Zealand Maori Rugby Board (NZMRB) member the Reverend Moses Cherrington at a function at the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The Centenary jersey draws its design firstly from the team haka “Timitanga,” performed by the New Zealand Maori players before each game, and from aspects of the Maori world, both real and mythological.

Two iconic features of the Maori world also feature prominently in the jersey: the Korowai (cloak) and the Wharenui (meeting house). Both the wharenui and the korowai provide warmth, shelter and protection, calmness, peace and mana (prestige).

The jersey was launched in conjunction with adidas and was designed by Dunedin designer Dave Burke, New Zealand Rugby Union Maori Liasion Officer Tiki Edwards, New Zealand Maori team Kaumatua Whetu Tipiwai and Luke Crawford, with funding support from Te Puni Kokiri, and manufactured in New Zealand by Auckland based company Sports Resources.

The unveiling in Wellington represents the culmination of more than a year’s work to channel all of the rich history, the attributes and achievements of New Zealand Maori over 100 years into one visual representation on the jersey.

New Zealand Maori Rugby Board Wayne Peters said the jersey embodied the spirit of the team and just like the team would be unique in the world of rugby.

“There is no other team like New Zealand Maori in international rugby and so it is appropriate that for this Centenary year, the team will take the field in a unique jersey which captures the essence of the team and what they mean to Maoridom and to New Zealand.”

“The centenary jersey honours all those who earned the right to wear it and the sacrifices made by their whanau,” Mr Peters said.

New Zealand Rugby Union CEO Steve Tew said the jersey was truly special and would be treasured by those players who were privileged to wear it, as it represented the story and mana of New Zealand Maori.

“This jersey is stunning and I hope will add to the excitement for those players who take the field this year, while also making a fitting and appropriate contribution to the legacy of this special team.

“We are grateful to all those who contributed to bringing this to life including all of the individuals and organisations who worked on or helped in its creation.”

New Zealand Maori Coach Jamie Joseph said the jersey told the story of Maori rugby beautifully.

“This year is such a significant year for all Maori rugby players and coming from someone who has worn the jersey before, it is going to be a great honour for every player that gets to pull on this very special taonga,” he said.

A limited number of replica jerseys are available for sale in New Zealand.

New Zealand Post have recognised the significance of the jersey by selecting it to appear on the 50cent stamp, one of two commemorative stamps issued to celebrate 100 Years of New Zealand Maori Rugby.

Maori Centenary Series Itinerary:

New Zealand Maori Northland Events Centre, Whangarei 12 June
v New Zealand Barbarians

New Zealand Maori v Ireland Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua 18 June

New Zealand Maori v England McLean Park, Napier 23 June