University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor Professor Cheryl de la Rey said of the team partnership: “The University of Canterbury is committed to gender equity and social inclusion, and we are proud to support South Island wāhine competing under the Super Rugby banner. It is pleasing to see nearly a quarter of Matatū contracted so far are UC-educated wāhine, paving the way for future generations.”
UC’s Kaihautū Taunaki Tangata, Director – Equity and Business Management, Rīpeka Tamanui-Hurunui added: “At UC, we value whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and tiakitanga, which are about valuing, empowering and caring for people and nurturing our resources. The principles of ‘Kia tika, kia pono, kia aroha – doing what is right with integrity and empathy’ underpin our values. Given what we stand for, supporting Matatū is something we are proud to do, and is a positive step on the journey of building a more equitable Ōtautahi, and wider Aotearoa.”
Women’s rugby in New Zealand will take another leap forward in 2023, when Super Rugby Aupiki takes place over four weekends in March. The University of Canterbury is proud to support the combined South Island team, which will represent the whole of Te Waka o Aoraki, specifically the Crusaders and Highlanders regions.
Matatū, a name gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, will be proudly carried forward by the team, when they compete in the inaugural competition next season. The University of Canterbury is committed to gender equity and social inclusion, and we are proud to support South Island wāhine competing under the Super Rugby banner.
