Heritage part of new rugby shirt
The Manawatu¯ Ma¯ ori rugby team kicked off their first game of the season with a new look to be proud of.
The rugby team was sporting a new jersey designed by a UCOL student and the team was excited to wear something created with aroha.
Third-year bachelor of creative media student Heneriata Te Whata designed the new jersey and was filled with joy knowing her design would be worn by the team and make its mark for Manawatu¯ Ma¯ ori rugby.
‘‘It is so exciting to think the team will be wearing my jersey,’’ she said. ‘‘It is my first project like this and I’ve been honoured to create something special that will be passed on. I have been able to create a piece of history... Being Ma¯ ori myself I am proud of my heritage and so getting to work in the rugby community and learn more about that culture and the rich history Ma¯ ori have with the game really inspired my design.
‘‘I spent some time at the [New Zealand] Rugby Museum at Te Manawa researching.
‘‘My jersey features the original greenand-white colours for Manawatu¯ , as well as the double stripes that had previously featured on the players’ jersey.
‘‘The taiaha represents the mana, strength and commitment players need, while the manaia holding it represents guidance and conducting oneself with mana and respect.
‘‘It is also the connection to our past present and future. The other elements are representation of our wha¯ nau, support systems, protection and connection.’’
The UCOL ‘‘work hub’’ from the bachelor of creative media matches creative students with industry projects.
Tahau Williams, who works in Ma¯ ori student support at UCOL and as teams organiser for Manawatu¯ Ma¯ ori rugby, oversaw the process, with the idea of creating something meaningful for the team to wear and to showcase a student’s work.
‘‘We wanted a jersey for our players that identifies Manawatu¯ Ma¯ ori rugby. We did some research into potential candidates, for a student who might be interested in redesigning the jersey and we knew UCOL had the talent to do it.
‘‘Heneriata put up her hand for this work hub project.’’