What is Iwi Athletica?He aha a Iwi Athletica?
Iwi Athletica is an athletic-wear business based in Christchurch, New Zealand. We develop advanced wearable athletic apparel solutions that support athlete performance.
As an organisation of Aotearoa New Zealand, we recognise the special place of Māori as Tangata Whenua. We do this through our name Iwi Athletica.
Iwi means “tribe” or “a collective”. Through our brand we create a collective of Brand Ambassadors who proactively promotes the everyday use and growth of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga either domestically or on the international circuit.
When you wear our product as an Iwi Athletica Brand Ambassador, you not only represent our brand, but your iwi, your culture, your identity, and the culture of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Iwi Athletica is on a journey to being a bi-cultural brand that truly represents Aotearoa New Zealand. What makes us unique is that we support local - grassroots sports clubs and kaupapa - initiatives. We foster and grow local excellence so that one day, those individuals or teams can represent Aotearoa New Zealand on the international arena.
Through Iwi Athletica, you can expect us to support you to grow in your field, the way you want, and how you want.
We provide excellent performance apparel that is Fashionable, Functional and Fit for your sports. We co-create and co-design your team apparel the way you want and to your liking. We are never satisfied until you are satisfied with the end product. Iwi Athletica are proud to be part of shaping the future of sporting success within our communities, for our athletes and our key stakeholders.
Our Mission
Tā Mātou Mīhana"To create opportunities to foster and grow local and domestic talent in Aotearoa to reach the pinnacle of their success."
Our Values
Ō Mātou UaraIwi
We are a community that is inclusive of all people peoples, cultures, abilities and diversities of Aotearoa.
Aotearoa
We are an organisation that holds fast to the identity and values of Aotearoa, Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti (Tiriti Partners). We actively promote te reo Māori and tikanga Māori domestically and internationally.
Hauora
We promote healthy lifestyle and healthy choices through sports.
Kounga
We are a quality brand that promotes a culture of excellence.
Whakaiti
Whether we win or lose, we remain humble.
Our TeamTā Mātou Tīma
Paul Coll
Co-Founder
Hailing originally from a small town, Paul, as a 13-year-old, left Greymouth and headed over the Southern Alps to board in Christchurch where sporting opportunities were better. Paul is now the world’s top ranking male squash player and the first New Zealander to win the Men’s British Open, which he's now done twice.
Aaron Jackson
Co-Founder
Milton-born Aaron is a textile industry veteran who brings more than three decades of experience. Over the years, Aaron has been responsible for commercialising performance wear and has helped numerous major sportswear companies develop their activewear brands.
Nick Mita (Ngāti Kahungunu)
Co-Founder
Born and bred in Wairarapa, Nick picked up squash after a fulfilling and successful rugby career. He is now one of the country’s leading squash coaches.
