Magpies carry Mates4Life message into Otago clash

The unbeaten Magpies want Hawke’s Bay on their side this Friday, both against Otago and in the push to prevent suicide.

The team will take the field at McLean Park in specially designed Mates4Life jerseys, with every player’s jersey being auctioned individually on Trade Me.

All money raised will go directly towards the Hawke’s Bay charity’s suicide prevention work.

The words “a single kōrero can make a difference” appear on the back of the jersey.

Mates4Life general manager Tyson Ataera told Hawke’s Bay News that message was at the heart of what the charity hoped to achieve through its partnership with the Magpies.

“That’s what we’re trying to do this Friday against Otago, give people the tools to have one single kōrero,” Ataera said.

“You never know what that conversation is going to do to help support someone in distress.

“Rather than sitting in silence, we’re hoping people have the ability to turn left, turn right and have a single conversation. Ask people how things are going. Ask them about their family. Just have a conversation.”

Ataera said being selected as the Magpies’ 2026 charity partner was significant for Mates4Life, which had applied three times.

“We’re the first mental health charity that the Magpies have chosen,” he said.

“We’re so grateful that they’ve trusted us, trusted our organisation and trusted our people to partner with us and share our story.”

The jersey, named Tauawhi, was designed for Mates4Life by local Māori artist Tim Whaitiri-Henderson.

Its design reflects endurance through adversity and the strength and protection people draw from their connections to whānau, friends, community, place and whakapapa.

At its centre is an individual surrounded by the people who can support them.

“It takes a village when someone is going through distress,” Ataera said.

“It might be friends, family or work colleagues, or formal resources like counsellors and psychologists.

“It takes a whole team to wrap around this person who is going through distress, to get them through one day, two days, a week, and then hopefully get themselves back on track and into a state of wellness.”

Magpies player Neria Fomai said the team would wear the jersey with pride.

“It’s going to be a special night, particularly with Mates4Life being our charity jersey partner this year,” Fomai said.

“The kaupapa resonates strongly with a lot of the boys, as unfortunately, most of us know someone who has been affected by suicide.

“When we run out on Friday night, the boys will give everything they’ve got to represent the kaupapa and what the jersey stands for.

“Men’s mental health is incredibly important, and we’re proud to be able to help raise awareness and support the incredible work Mates4Life does.”

Mates4Life was established in 2019 following a suicide within a Hawke’s Bay workplace.

Ataera hopes the jersey encourages people across Hawke’s Bay to reach out when they are struggling and to reach in when they notice someone else may need support.

“You don’t have to suffer in silence,” he said. “There are people who are willing to step in and reach in.”

Money raised through the auctions will help Mates4Life support local organisations and communities and deliver initiatives including suicide prevention workshops and its Safety Aider programme.

TotalEnergies NZ has covered the production costs of the jerseys, ensuring the auction proceeds go directly to Mates4Life.

The player jersey auctions are live now on Trade Me, and close from 9am on Friday 4 September. View the jerseys and place your bid here:

Where to get help If you or someone you know needs support, free call or text 1737 at any time to speak with a trained counsellor. If someone is in immediate danger, call 111.