Christchurch-based Kathmandu will create sustainable uniforms for New Zealand athletes across multiple international sporting events, including the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Christchurch-based outdoor equipment and clothing company Kathmandu has been selected to design and produce New Zealand’s Olympic and Commonwealth Games uniforms for the next four years. The announcement was made on Tuesday morning, signifying a significant partnership leading up to multiple international sporting events.
Kathmandu’s first duties in this collaboration will involve creating uniforms for athletes participating in the 2026 Winter Olympics. These uniforms will also be showcased during the Commonwealth Games, Youth Olympics, and Summer Olympics that follow within the established time frame. The brand, which has its roots in Christchurch since its founding in 1987 by John Pawson and Jan Cameron, aims to deliver a range of performance-oriented and sustainable apparel.
Nicki Nicol, chief executive of the New Zealand Olympic Committee, expressed confidence in Kathmandu’s ability to meet the needs of athletes. In her remarks, she stated, “We’re extremely proud to announce this partnership. Both organisations are deeply committed to performance, quality, innovation, and share deep roots in Aotearoa New Zealand. From this land, we’ve grown, forged new paths, and made an impact on the world stage. This is a partnership that honours New Zealand’s heritage and future potential.”
The emphasis on sustainability was highlighted as an essential element of the collaboration, as Nicol noted that “New Zealanders care deeply about where their products come from and how they’re made,” asserting that Kathmandu is well-equipped to uphold these values. The team expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming designs, anticipating the incorporation of New Zealand’s national symbols, stating they could not wait to see “the rings and fern on the new Kathmandu kit.” The partnership is viewed as a meaningful collaboration where both parties strive for quality while considering environmental sustainability.
Kathmandu chief executive Megan Welch discussed the company’s longstanding commitment to sustainability and innovation within the industry. “Our product team has a long history of pushing industry boundaries – particularly when it comes to sustainability and innovation,” she said. Welch further noted that Kathmandu pioneered the development of fleece made from plastic bottles in the 1990s and currently produces high-performance garments from materials such as recycled car tires and captured carbon emissions.
Work on the new kits has already commenced, although detailed designs are expected to be revealed at a later date. This partnership marks a new chapter for New Zealand’s representation at major sporting events, with both Kathmandu and the New Zealand Olympic Committee working in concert to provide athletes with quality uniforms that reflect their national pride and commitment to sustainability.
Source: Noah Wire Services
