One is the magic number as the calendar welcomes in November 1 – day one of the new NRL season and also day one of the all-new One New Zealand Warriors.
It underlines the dawning of a new era as the club eyes a 2023 campaign which sees the players and fans reunited at home at last after three long seasons spent apart during the Covid era.
Vodafone New Zealand announced in late September that it would be changing to One New Zealand in early 2023.
Just a month prior the company committed to partnering with the Warriors until the end of the 2026 season, a relationship that will total 28 years, with potential to renew on the horizon.
This transformational change coincides with the One New Zealand Warriors embarking on a journey featuring new head coach Andrew Webster, new signings Mitchell Barnett, Jackson Ford, Te Maire Martin, Luke Metcalf, Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, Marata Niukore and Dylan Walker plus the return of Andrew McFadden as General Manager Recruitment, Development and Pathways.
“This reinforces our long-standing commitment to the Warriors,” said Joe Goddard, incoming Director of Experience and Commercial, One New Zealand.
“We see this as an opportunity to help reinvigorate the team after the challenging border restrictions presented over the last few seasons. There is a lot of fresh energy that comes with change and we see that energy as something the players can tap into, heading into the 2023 season. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, this is our year.”
One New Zealand represents a renewed commitment to Aotearoa that parallels the Warriors’ representation of the country, with the new One New Zealand business 100% focused on New Zealand.
One New Zealand reflects deep connections and legacy within the country, as well as an ambitious future for Aotearoa. The Warriors share that ambition and drive for the future, both through their magic on the field and work within their community. The Warriors and One New Zealand both exist as one team standing for one nation.
“The partnership between Vodafone and the Warriors is an enduring one, spanning 24 years as of 2022, starting before some of our players were even born,” said One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George.
“We view this transformation and what it stands for as one which will enhance our mana and better represent who the Warriors are. We’re excited to tackle the future with One New Zealand by our side, with big ambitions on and off the field.”
