Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New NZ Olympics Uniforms Will Be Manufactured Overseas
New Zealand's new Olympic and Commonwealth Games uniforms will likely be made overseas.
An apparel partnership between Kiwi-brand Kathmandu and the New Zealand Olympic Committee was announced in Christchurch this morning.
The deal covered the kits athletes wore during training, in the village and at ceremonial events, but not those worn in competition.
The first Kathmandu-designed kit would be worn by athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics and also on display at the Commonwealth, Youth and Summer Olympics which followed.
It marked the end of a long-term association between the New Zealand Olympic Committee and Chinese manufacturer Peak.
Much was made at the launch event of the fact the kit would be designed in New Zealand.
But Kathmandu chief executive Megan Welch conceded it was unlikely it would be made here.
"We partner with some of the best factory partners around the world. As a registered B-Corp we have top factories across the world. We produce mostly in Asia but everything is sourced, developed, adapted here right here in New Zealand. But not New Zealand made."
Welch said producing the Olympic kits in New Zealand had not been discussed at present.
New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol said she was confident Kathmandu would deliver for athletes.
"We're extremely proud to announce this partnership. Both organisations are deeply committed to performance, quality, innovation, and share deep roots in Aotearoa New Zealand. From this land, we've grown, forged new paths, and made an impact on the world stage. This is a partnership that honours New Zealand's heritage and future potential.
"Kathmandu's commitment to sustainability aligns with the values of the New Zealand Team and the Olympic Charter. New Zealanders care deeply about where their products come from and how they're made - we now have a leader in sustainable product innovation backing our team."
The team was excited to see what Kathmandu designed.
Two-time Olympic bronze medallist Tom Walsh said he hoped the uniform would reflect the proud Kiwis who wore them and remind them of the country they represent.
"Maybe when things are a bit tough we can check in and look at our uniform and go 'I'm really proud to be from New Zealand, this kit reminds me a bit of home'," he said.
Work had already begun on the kits, though they would not be revealed until later.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
New Zealand Association of Scientists: NZAS Supports Saving Biotechnology Capacity In Callaghan; Asks What Now For Applied Technology Group
Stats NZ: Business Employment Data - December 2024 Quarter
Transpower: System Operator Launches Review Of Electricity Risk Forecasting Framework 
The Conversation: NZ’s Glaciers Have Already Lost Nearly A Third Of Their Ice – As More Vanishes, Landscapes And Lives Change
RBNZ: Reserve Bank Of New Zealand Welcomes The Release Of Te Ōhanga Māori 2023 Report
Bill Bennett: Download Weekly - One NZ chooses Ericsson for core network update
