MediaWorks Backs Matatū as Foundation Partner and heroes shared values

National media company MediaWorks is backing the newly formed women’s South Island Super Rugby team Matatū as a foundation partner, with a goal to champion women both in the workplace and on the rugby field.

The partnership, which was announced today, would see a number of joint activities delivered during the Super Rugby Aupiki season. The partnership was intended to engage both organisations internally, but also with fans and advocates in the community. Due to the current Covid climate, some of these community initiatives will be cancelled or adjusted to ensure the best safety protocols are being followed.  

MediaWorks Chief Executive Cam Wallace says, “With Super Rugby Aupiki giving our female athletes the professional stage they deserve, and Matatū being the first Super Rugby team to carry a te reo Māori name, the partnership really aligns with the direction we are heading as a company. 

“A big focus for us is ensuring MediaWorks is diverse and inclusive - we’re committed to valuing tikanga and promoting te reo Māori and we’re proud to have also recently launched our Women’s Network. MediaWorks is excited about this partnership and to get behind our Matatū wāhine and everything they represent.”  

Sarah Clark and Hiliary Schroeder from the Media Works Women’s Network at the recent Matatū season launch alongside the Club’s General Manager Sarah Munro.

Matatū General Manager Sarah Munro said the partnership with MediaWorks signalled support for their shared goals and values.

“We have made conscious decisions to only align with commercial partners who share our vision to champion equality and diversity.

“MediaWorks have established a Women’s Network within its workplace, and we are looking forward to working with their staff to build out our shared values and vision,” said Munro.

The Matatū Super Rugby Club and brand was launched in October last year and has been built on four Matatūtanga (values), focussed on inspiring young people to be the best they can be, but also promoting equality on and off the field.

These core values are Tūmanawa (determination), Tūaho (legacy), Tūhono (connections) and Tūtira (unity). Each is an important element that contributes to the success of  Matatū wāhine; not only through the current playing group, but those who have paved the way throughout the history of rugby, and those who are yet to come. 

In order to minimise the risk of Covid-19 interruptions, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki will now be based in Taupō and will be played in a condensed format. Though it would have been special for Matatū to kick off for the first time on home soil, the team is so grateful for the support as they head up north in the coming weeks. 

Matatū will play their first game on Saturday 5th March against Hurricanes Poua, with the venue still to be confirmed.