2024 NZ Warriors ANZAC Round Jersey
Dynasty Sport and the One NZ Warriors are enormously proud to present the 2024 NZ Warriors ANZAC Round Jersey – a collaborative effort between the One NZ Warriors, Dynasty Sport, NZ Defence Force and artist Dave Burke.
Dave Burke has been a long-time supporter of the club and has played an important part in designing many of the club’s most loved jerseys. Like many New Zealanders, Dave has a deep connection with ANZAC Day, with members of his whānau having served in WWII in his words, “giving so much so that we may know the freedom and life that we are able to enjoy today”.
"Before I even picked up the pen and started to conceptualize the design it was of paramount importance that this project was treated with the aroha and respect that its deserves" Burke said.
"Dynasty shared this view and right from the start was committed to produce something special. Tyler (Rakich, Co-Founder Dynasty Sport) and I talked about this being more than a jersey...it’s about honouring the servicemen and servicewomen who have fought for our country. It’s a way of saying thank you and paying respect."
Tyler Rakich feels proud to be able to work on something so important, "It's an honour. As an Kiwi, ANZAC Day is hugely significant and I hope we have done the occasion justice here."
There are several key design elements that make up this jersey.
The first is the camouflage pattern, which is called the New Zealand Multi Terrain Pattern (NZMTP), which is the very same camouflage pattern worn by the New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF).
Traditionally, this pattern is a mix of earthy colours – greens, ochres and browns. With deep respect the NZDF were approached and asked if, to honour NZ’s current servicemen and servicewomen, the pattern could be used and the colours modified to reflect the club’s main colour and pay tribute to the NZ flag that servicemen and servicewomen serve under. Graciously, the NZDF obliged.
Behind the soldier are the rays of light symbolising the dawn of a brighter day and also pays tribute to the dawn parades on both sides of the Tasman.
The silver fern runs up the jersey. New Zealand’s national symbol and a powerful symbol of growth and hope, the fern reaches upward toward the light.
Here it also symbolises the different campaigns the NZDF has been involved in over the years.
The centre stalk of the fern features the Ode To Remembrance. The poem that is commonly recited at ANZAC Day services to commemorate wartime sacrifice in both New Zealand and Australia.
Several poppies are visible on the front of the jersey. During WW1 the countryside of Flanders in Belgium was bombed over and over, turning the fields to mud and destruction, where very little or nothing could grow.
Somehow in this desolate place poppies managed to find a way to grow and flourish in their thousands.
It was Canadian medical officer, Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, who wrote the poem, ‘In Flanders fields’.
Ever since then, the poppy is become a symbol of remembrance and hope for a peaceful future and are worn as a show of support for the Armed Forces community.
The soldier is shown here, standing under the New Zealand flag, with his head bowed down reflecting on these words as a single tear rolls down his face “We will remember them - Lest we forget”.
He wears a Kiwi ‘lemon squeezer’ hat and uniform worn by New Zealand’s soldiers during the Gallipoli Campaign.
The Manaia sits in the folds of the soldier’s sleeve and symbolises protection and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).
The three crosses pay respect to those who have given their lives in service. We honour them here.
On the back of the jersey we have the maps and flag of both Australia and New Zealand to pay respect to both countries and the unique bond that we have.
The design and colours and treatment of the artwork are inspired by the old war posters from yesteryear.
The 2024 NZ Warriors ANZAC Round Jersey will be available to purchase here at 5pm NZT, Wednesday 17th April.