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JFH on culture, whānau and power of Te Ao Mārama
When James Fisher-Harris leads the One New Zealand Warriors onto the field for the double Indigenous Rounds next month, he won’t just be carrying the weight of the jersey – he’ll be carrying his people with him.
Fronting the club’s Te Ao Mārama campaign, the Warriors captain spoke passionately about the meaning behind the 2025 Indigenous Round Jersey, reflecting on his own connection to culture, whānau and the pride that comes with representing something bigger than the game.
“This one’s special,” said Fisher-Harris.
“It’s more than just a design, it’s who we are. Where we come from.”
A proud product of the Far North, Fisher-Harris said pulling on the jersey connected him back to the whenua.
"I just think of home,” he said.
“Where I grew up, who I grew up with. My whānau, my tūpuna. There’s a real connection that comes with wearing this.”
Match: Bulldogs v Warriors
Round 23 -
home Team
Bulldogs
3rd Position
away Team
Warriors
6th Position
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
Te Ao Mārama will be donned by the NRL team in the round 23 away clash with the Bulldogs on August 9 and in round 24 against the Dragons at home on August 15.
Designed by Māori artist Jayden Hokianga and created in close consultation with the playing group, Te Ao Mārama speaks directly to those ideas of heritage, pride and belonging.
“It’s mean seeing that journey shown in the jersey,” said Fisher-Harris said.
“The way we talked about the past, where we are now, and where we’re going, it’s all in there.”
Match: Warriors v Dragons
Round 24 -
home Team
Warriors
5th Position
away Team
Dragons
13th Position
Venue: Go Media Stadium, Auckland
But for Fisher-Harris, cultural identity goes beyond just the jersey.
He believes it should be embedded in the Warriors' DNA, calling for the club to embrace its cultural roots more formally, starting with a club haka.
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Te Ao Mārama: Telling the story behind the jersey's design
“I think it’s time we have our own haka,” he said.
“Something unique to us, our club – and for everyone – Māori, Pasifika, Australian, whoever. Just something that’s for us and connects us.
“When I run out in that jersey, I will think about my kids. My family back home. The next generation watching. It’s not about me, it’s about all of them.
“I don’t say too much but, hopefully, my actions and the way I play will do the talking.
The 2025 Indigenous jersey – Te Ao Mārama – went on exclusive pre-sale to One New Zealand Warriors members at 7.00am (NZT) today (Thursday 24 July) via the One New Zealand Warriors Superstore. The general public release follows at 7.00pm today.
