Dan the Man

Manly Warringah Sea Eagles matches in Christchurch will become a unique sought-after item for sports fans in New Zealand and Australia, says Manly CEO Lyall Gorman.

Manly commissioned a specially designed jersey from Ngāi Tahu artist Fayne Robinson for the match against the Vodafone Warriors in Christchurch on June 9.

Dr Te Maire Tau, Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Upoko, unveiled the unique design during a pōwhiri (welcome) for the Manly representatives at Tuahiwi Marae.

Ngāi Tahu is the South Island iwi (tribe) whose tribal takiwā (territory) extends across the majority of Te Waipounamu (the South Island of New Zealand), and Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri are the hāpū (sub-tribe) of Ngāi Tahu for the Christchurch city region.

Gorman said he felt honoured to be welcomed in such a powerful manner by the local iwi and to be presented with the new uniform, the first Ngāi Tahu shirt to be created for any sporting code.

“The strip has a unique mix of Ngāi Tahu and Manly heritage and will only be worn for our matches in Christchurch,” says Gorman. “This jersey underlines Manly’s commitment to a long-term partnership with Christchurch and its community.”

Manly has signed up to play home matches at AMI Stadium in 2018 and 2019 with an option for a third match in 2020.

“We hope that this jersey will become synonymous with the strong bond between Manly and the people of the South Island and that our relationship with the Canterbury region will extend far beyond those first three years.”

Lisa Tumahai, Kaiwhakahaere (Chair) of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, said that partnership was a great opportunity to advocate hauora and well-being with our whānau and showcase Ngāi Tahu culture and identity.

“Ngāi Tahu whānau will have a real sense of pride when they see the players take the field with Fayne’s art front and centre,” says Lisa.

Master carver Fayne Robinson explains that the shirt design aims to represent the natural divide between Australia and New Zealand and the eagle crossing the water to make his way to the South Island.