The 2026 One New Zealand Warriors Kotahitanga jersey celebrates connection, unity and belonging. Kotahitanga is a Māori concept centred on togetherness, collective action and shared purpose, reflecting the Warriors' place as a club supported by communities across Aotearoa.

Designed by former Warriors player and Kiwi international Lewi Brown in collaboration with Dynasty Sport, the jersey draws inspiration from the Warriors' early years, particularly the 2001 season when the club changed its name from the Auckland Warriors to the New Zealand Warriors. The design brings elements of that era into a modern jersey while recognising the club's wider national identity.

The jersey also has a strong connection to Christchurch. Brown was born and raised in the city, and the design pays tribute to the resilience of Christchurch and the families and victims of the Christchurch earthquake. References to different regions of New Zealand further reinforce the idea of the Warriors representing supporters throughout the country.

Worn in Christchurch

The Kotahitanga jersey was worn for a significant moment in Warriors history: the club's first NRL match at the newly opened One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch.

On Sunday, 21 June 2026, the Warriors faced the North Queensland Cowboys in Round 16. The occasion brought the club to Christchurch for an NRL home game and was particularly meaningful given the jersey's connection to the city and its designer, Lewi Brown.

The Warriors marked the occasion with a convincing 38-20 victory over the Cowboys. The match provided a memorable beginning to the club's new Christchurch chapter and gave the Kotahitanga jersey a special place in the Warriors' 2026 history.

For the RYOS Archive, the jersey represents a meeting of the Warriors' past and present - celebrating the club's evolution from the Auckland Warriors to a team representing New Zealand, while marking its first NRL appearance at Christchurch's new stadium.