Press Releases

"The NZOC wanted to personify what it means to represent New Zealand and wear the silver fern," says Dallas Seymour, SPARC Senior Advisor Maori. "A huge part of our uniqueness is our Maori heritage. The NZOC approached SPARC and Toi Maori to develop an initiative that would create better understanding of Maori culture, inspire our athletes and enhance their sense of identity as a New Zealand team."

At the Olympic Day function in Wellington this evening, the NZOC will reveal some of these initiatives. Other aspects include Seymour holding sessions with team members that explored and explained the significance of the initiative and encouraged team members to make it their own.

"The feedback I have received from these sessions has been fantastic. It is up to the individuals whether they want to perform the haka, for instance, in Athens, but either way they have the knowledge how to and can take greater pride in their unique identity," says Seymour.

SPARC CE Nick Hill says, "This initiative is just one of many that have been developed in a growing relationship between SPARC and the NZOC leading up to the Athens Games beginning in August. We commend the NZOC for embracing Maori culture and making it an integral part of the team's sporting identity. It provides an amazing backdrop for our athletes to perform in the high pressure environment of the Olympic Games and celebrates who we are as a nation.

"Not only is this important for the Olympic Games, it is important for New Zealand's sporting culture as a whole. We believe this has provided a benchmark for other organisations to aspire to in understanding our unique culture. We would also like to acknowledge the guidance provided in particular by Ngai Tahu and Tainui, to whom huge thanks most go."

The NZOC echoed this sentiment. "It is our hope that this exciting new dimension that has been created with the Olympic team will not only grow but will also be fostered within other national sporting bodies. SPARC's contribution and support has been invaluable and this challenge has been accepted by SPARC's Maori advisor Dallas Seymour," says Dave Currie, Chef de Mission of the New Zealand Olympic Team.

Seymour's role at SPARC entails working with sport and recreation organisations to address Maori needs and to raise understanding, and to ensure that organisations deliver sporting experiences in ways that inspire Maori to be active.

Updated | 30 Mar 2006.

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