We are the Tasman Mako

The Tasman Rugby Union is proud to announce a correction to its team name to Tasman Mako.

The dropping of the letter ‘s’ from the previous brand is in respectful acknowledgement of the correct use of the Māori name for the magnificent taonga, the Mako, that is our emblem. 

The change has the full support of TRU stakeholders – the Board, staff, Mako players including recent Māori All Blacks, team management, major sponsors and the eight iwi of Te Tau Ihu o Te Waka-ā-Māui - Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Koata, Rangitāne and Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō, Ngāti Rārua and Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Tama, Te Āti Awa and also mātāwaka. 

Mana Whenua spokesperson Barney Thomas comments: “All iwi are supportive of the proper usage of te reo Māori me ōna tikanga by the Tasman Rugby Union”.

Current Tasman Mako head coach, Leon MacDonald of Rangitāne, a NZ Māori representative in 1998, 1999 & 2005, and a Former All Black welcomes the change.

“We pride ourselves as a team that respects our community, and we acknowledge the proud contribution of Māori to our game in Marlborough, Nelson Bays and Te Tau Ihu. For us, we simply see it as the right thing to do in using the Māori language correctly.”

New Zealand Rugby Māori Board chair Dr Farah Palmer congratulated the Tasman Rugby Union on the change.

“This is a wonderful decision by Tasman Rugby that shows respect for Māori and a name they carry proudly.  It is great they have the confidence and support to make a change that enhances their identity and mana in the community”.