UC student and Matat奴 player Grace Brooker (left) with UC Kaihaut奴 Taunaki Tangata Director 鈥 Equity and Business Management, R墨peka Tamanui-Hurunui.
Matatu虅, a name gifted by Ng膩i T奴膩huriri, will be proudly carried forward by the team, when they compete in the inaugural competition next season. The University of mini传媒 (UC) will be a brand partner of the team in 2022 and will have their logo on the playing jersey next season.听 听
University of mini传媒 Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey says: 鈥淭he University of mini传媒 is committed to gender equity and social inclusion, and we are proud to support South Island w膩hine competing under the Super Rugby banner. It is pleasing to see nearly a quarter of Matat奴 contracted so far are UC-educated w膩hine, paving the way for future generations.鈥
UC student Grace Brooker is in her third year of studying towards a Bachelor of Sport Coaching Degree and is one of the first contracted players in the team.
Matatu虅 is an instructive command to remain steadfast with head held high, alert, and ready to take on any and every challenge head on. The term Matat奴 has, in recent years, become synonymous with Aoraki, the highest peak in the South Island. It speaks to the mana he holds as the enduring watchful guardian of all those who reside in Te Waka o Aoraki (South Island.)
The name, colours and Tohu (logo) design were created by local artist and designer Morgan Mathews-Hale, and the work was completed in partnership with Te Whaka Ako Limited.
UC Kaihaut奴 Taunaki Tangata Director 鈥 Equity and Business Management, R墨peka Tamanui-Hurunui says: 鈥淎t UC, we value whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga, which are about valuing, empowering and caring for people and nurturing our resources. The principles of 鈥楰ia tika, kia pono, kia aroha - doing what is right with integrity and empathy鈥 underpin our values. Given what we stand for, supporting Matat奴 is something we are proud to do, and is a positive step on the journey of building a more equitable 艑tautahi, and wider Aotearoa.鈥
The four values identified that will form the foundation of Matatu虅 are; t奴manawa (determination); t奴aho (legacy); t奴tira (unity) and t奴hono (connections) and alongside these values is a guiding principle that this team will inspire all young females to be the very best they can be.
