New Zealand Team announces Kathmandu as official apparel partner

New Zealand outdoor brand, Kathmandu, has been announced as the official apparel partner of the New Zealand Team, marking a significant step in the brand’s commitment to performance, innovation and sustainability.

The Certified B Corporation, Kathmandu has signed a four-year partnership to provide the New Zealand Team with training and village kits, as well as the official uniforms for the opening, closing, and podium ceremonies at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games.

Nicki Nicol, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), said: “We’re extremely proud to announce this partnership. Both organisations are deeply committed to performance, quality, innovation, and share deep roots in Aotearoa New Zealand. From this land, we’ve grown, forged new paths, and made an impact on the world stage. This is a partnership that honours New Zealand’s heritage and future potential.”

Founded in 1987, Kathmandu has evolved from a small New Zealand-based retailer to Australasia’s leading outdoor apparel brand. Still headquartered in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the brand is now global and continues to push boundaries in product design and sustainability.

Megan Welch, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Kathmandu, said: “Our innovative and responsibly-made gear and apparel will empower our country’s elite athletes to excel, perform at their best, and proudly fly the New Zealand flag on the global stage.”

“Our product team has a long history of pushing industry boundaries – particularly when it comes to sustainability and innovation. In the 1990s they were one of the first to develop a fleece made from plastic bottles. Now we’re creating world-leading, high performance garments using fabrics made with recycled car tyres and captured carbon emissions.”

Nicki Nicol added: “Kathmandu’s commitment to sustainability aligns with the values of the New Zealand Team and the Olympic Charter. New Zealanders care deeply about where their products come from and how they’re made – we now have a leader in sustainable product innovation backing our team.”

The New Zealand Team will debut their first Kathmandu-designed kit at the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games (6-22 February 2026), followed by the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (2026), the Olympic Summer Youth Games in Dakar (2026), and the Olympic Games in Los Angeles (2028). Kathmandu will also provide gear for athletes competing at the Pre-Elite Games and Pacific Games. Plans are already in motion to develop supporters’ gear, allowing fans to celebrate and support New Zealand’s athletes.

Karinda Robinson, General Manager of Product at Kathmandu, said: “In the spirit of partnership, this is a collaborative design process, and we’ve already met with some of the NZOC team. While all Kathmandu gear is made for performance, our goal here is to design kits that act like an extension of the athletes themselves.”

Karinda says every garment will be robustly tested for quality, a standard practice for Kathmandu products.

“We use some of the most sustainable materials available and we do not compromise on performance. Our product goes through a rigorous testing process from material stage through final concept.”

With the design details remaining confidential until the official unveiling, excitement is already building within the New Zealand Team.

Nicki Nicol said: “We trust Kathmandu will deliver quality product for the athletes while considering the planet. We cannot wait to see the rings and fern on the new Kathmandu kit. This is a meaningful partnership that we are very proud of.”

Kathmandu’s partnership with the New Zealand Team is a landmark collaboration that underscores its ongoing mission to innovate responsibly while supporting elite performance. 

Kathmandu products are available at stores throughout the UK and online at www.kathmandu.co.uk/

For more information on stockists, please visit https://help.kathmandu.co.uk/support/solutions/articles/51000147871-stockists