Our team emblem is embedded in our Taiao, our natural environment. It incorporates Moko Kanohi (male face tattoo), symbolising whakapapa (ancestry), mana (prestige/status), and the wisdom of the mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge), while drawing inspiration from the Kea, a guardian of the South Island’s prestigious mountain range, Kā Tiritiri o te Moana (the Southern Alps). It features elements like the central Manawa (heart) line for the team’s journey, Mangopare for strength, and Pūkauae, grounding us in our connection to wāhine (women) and our whenua (land).
Guardians of the Mountains
Above Te Wai Pounamu, the Kea soars — a symbol of resilience and grace against the backdrop of the South Island’s majestic alpine peaks. As guardians of these rugged terrains, these remarkable birds inspire our venture into professional rugby league. This cherished taonga (Māori treasure) thrives in realms few dare explore, embodying the fearless spirit we bring to the NRL.
Te KAHA STADIUM
With 30,000 seats (25,000 permanent and 5,000 temporary), all under the cover of a roof, One New Zealand Stadium is the premier and most accessible, inclusive, sustainable and flexible venue in Aotearoa.
FORSYTH BARR STADIUM
This fully-roofed facility is a global benchmark for stadium facilities and has enabled hundreds of thousands of New Zealanders to enjoy world-class sporting and entertainment events.
David Moffett is a strategist and enthusiast for change across the sporting sector. He is the former CEO of NSW Rugby, SANZAAR, NZ Rugby, NRL, Sport England, Welsh Rugby, and Millenium Stadium. As well as this, David also has experience owning and operating private sector businesses.
Youssef Mourra is a management consultant who specialises in ensuring an organisation’s projects, operations, and undertakings align with their stated strategic aims and ensures that the governance layer and all stakeholders benefit from the realisation of the stated outcomes. He is well connected in both the public and private sectors at the executive level in New Zealand.
Andy Marinos is a former professional rugby league and rugby union player, Dual International. He is also a former CEO of Newport Dragons, SA Rugby, SANZAAR, and Rugby Australia.
Tim Bateman is of Ngāi Tahu Katiwaewae heritage and has strong connections across the South Island. He had a 17-year professional rugby career, captaining the Māori All Blacks. He has various governance roles and now owns and runs O-studio, a wellness franchise he founded and is expanding through Australasia.
Michael Goldstein is an experienced sports industry professional with a background in organising major sporting events like the New Zealand Open, LPGA, and World Rally Championship. He has taken on leadership roles in sports marketing, collaborating with various entities such as world bodies, national sports organizations, government, sponsors, and media.
Rob Picone is a trusted commercial and legal advisor who has also worked at the coal face of the game in NRL clubland. Robert is currently Managing Counsel of DXC Technology Australia and was General Counsel and Board Consultant for the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs from 2018 -2024. His vision and passion for the game saw him lead a previous bid from 2012-2016.
SOUTH ISLAND KEA
info@southislandkea.com