2010 Vodafone Warriors Heritage Jersey

Designed by Inia Taylor and made by Canterbury of New Zealand

Every year the National Rugby League (NRL) plays their Heritage round. This year it is the weekend of 14th – 17th May (Round 6). All clubs will wear their foundation jerseys – all clubs that is except the Warriors.

What started as a conversation between Canterbury of New Zealand and the then Warriors’ skipper,
Steve Price, has become a unique piece of culture and unity that looks stunning and encapsulates the many ethnicities that have played for the Warriors over the years.
Canterbury of New Zealand’s Colin Gibson explains. “We never had a jersey that captured the team as such, or the heritage of the individuals that have played for the Warriors over the years.
We wanted to celebrate the different cultures and background all in one and when Steve suggested it, after seeing Awen Guttenbeil’s testimonial jersey, we approached the club.”

Celebrated Maori tattooist, Inia Taylor (http://www.mokoink.com/), was the designer behind the look you see here. “The Warriors have a dynamic background, probably more so than any other club in the competition and I wanted to bring that all together. To me it reflects the diversity that is not only the Warriors, but New Zealand as a culture and a country.”
For the Warriors Heritage jersey Inia used patterns and symbols from the many diverse cultures. “Together they represent strength, courage, cultural diversity and team unity,” he told me.
The symbols are made up of the following.

Wheke- Feke: the Maori and Polynesian Octopus patterns to represent team-work, co-ordination and the ability to hold firm to the ground.
Mango-pare (Hammerhead shark): Representing determination, strength and balance.
Celtic Braiding (Ancient Anglo-Saxon symbol): Family ties and generations back to the Northern Hemisphere.
Koru (Unfolding fern): Attaining a higher state while heading towards the light. Constant growth and constant change.
Harakeke (Weaving): The binding together of friends and family into a strong unit. “Alone we are but a strand, but together we are a strong rope.”
Two sided arrows – Kangaroo footprints: Aboriginal pattern for journey…Home and Away
Ika (Fish): A symbol of prosperity, or tributes, which can be shared to nourish and benefit all.
Tipani (Frangipani): Representing fertility and things yet to come.
Niho Taniwha – Nifo Nifo – Peata (Unfolding teeth of a shark): Protection, constant backup from those around you. “When one breaks, there are many others to take their place.”

“The Vodafone Warriors are a unique team representing a
unique country which combines many cultures. Through the
art and traditions of these cultures we have created a jersey
that all New Zealanders and New Zealand Warriors can all
be proud of.” Steve Price – Warrior No.121

Jersey available for purchase at Canterbury of New Zealand Stores, Playbill Store at Mt Smart Stadiumand all good sporting goods stockists or purchase online by clicking here