Indigenous Round: Behind the BNZ Breakers jersey

The BNZ Breakers have proudly launched their NBL25 Indigenous Round jersey, a celebration of Aotearoa's rich cultural heritage.

The jersey was designed by Anthony Wilson, CEO of Awataha Marae on Auckland’s North Shore, as a piece of cultural history that embodies ancestral connections, resilience, and pride.

Wilson shared the inspiration behind the design, reflecting on his deep connection to both the Breakers and the Māori culture that shapes his work. 

“This is our eighth or ninth season with the Breakers, and it’s been a privilege to stay involved. The ownership and leadership have truly embraced our culture. This jersey is a further reflection of that bond, a celebration of both Māori and Pasifika heritage in the NBL,” said Wilson.

Design with Meaning

The creation of this year’s Indigenous Round jersey was a deeply collaborative process, with Wilson’s design symbolising the spiritual and cultural roots of Māori heritage. 

At the heart of the jersey are kōwhaiwhai designs, traditional patterns seen in the rafters of wharenui (Māori meeting houses). These motifs hold profound meaning, symbolising whakapapa (genealogy) and the ancestral lineage that stretches back to creation.

“When players put this jersey on, they’re not just wearing another shirt. It comes with meaning, steeped in history and cultural content that dates back centuries.”

Key elements of the jersey are the distinctive patterns embedded within the design. The mangōpare (hammerhead shark) pattern is a powerful symbol of resilience, representing a tenacious spirit that refuses to give up. 

“In our culture, we say, kia mate ururoa, kei mate wheke, meaning ‘it is better to die like a shark than like an octopus’. If you’re going to go down, go down fighting. That spirit is something the Breakers embody.”

Another prominent pattern is the pūhoro, traditionally associated with speed and agility. This design is particularly fitting for the Breakers, who are known for their fast-paced, dynamic style of play. 

“It’s about capturing that sense of movement and momentum, which the Breakers are famous for,” Wilson added.

A new feature of this year’s jersey is the inclusion of pāua patterns, connecting the Breakers’ identity to their Pacific roots. 

The pāua shell, a vibrant and iridescent material, is symbolic of the broader Pacific region, known as Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. This vast expanse of ocean ties together the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, reinforcing a sense of shared history and solidarity.

“The pāua connects us to our Pacific brothers and sisters. It’s about recognising that, through sport, we can come together as one, across cultures and nations.”

The Indigenous Round not only celebrates Māori culture but also honours the traditions of Australia’s Aboriginal communities, creating a space for indigenous stories from both sides of the Tasman to be shared and appreciated. 

A Jersey with Mana

In Māori culture, mana is an intrinsic force, a measure of honour and respect that one is born with but can also grow through actions. For Wilson, the mana of the jersey is undeniable. 

“When you wear this jersey, you’re not just representing the team, but the mana of those who came before us, and the legacy we continue to build.”

Wilson highlighted the importance of sharing Māori culture with the international players who join the Breakers from all corners of the globe. 

“Over the seasons I’ve been involved, I’ve seen players from all over the world be amazed at the cultural content in the playing strip. It’s special to them, and they take a piece of our culture with them when they leave.

“It’s important that this design is open to all, just as our marae is open to all. We’re a blended nation now, and this jersey represents that. It’s about bringing people together, regardless of background, to connect through the shared language of sport.”

The BNZ Breakers take to the court for Indigenous Round on Saturday 2 November when they host the Adelaide 36ers at Spark Arena, wearing a jersey that tells a powerful story of unity, strength, and cultural pride. 

It's a story that honours the club’s heritage while looking to the future - celebrating the diverse cultures that contribute to the richness of the game and the communities it touches.