The extremely popular charity jersey initiative between the Hawke’s Bay Magpies and TotalEnergies NZ is back for its seventh year, with local organisation Mates4Life selected as the 2026 charity partner. 

The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union received 28 applications from different charities and community groups this year, highlighting both the incredible work being done across the region and the growing need for support facing many local charities. The applications represented a wide range of organisations making a meaningful impact within the community. While the decision was not an easy one, Mates4Life stood out for the important work they continue to do across Hawke’s Bay. 

The Magpies will wear this one-off charity jersey in our Round 6 home fixture against Otago on Friday 4 September, at McLean Park. The playing jerseys will again be auctioned off with the public and collectors able to bid on these through Trade Me.  

The collaborative design process is now underway between Hawke’s Bay Rugby, TotalEnergies NZ, and Mates4Life, with further details on the jersey to be revealed soon. 

TotalEnergies NZ will once again cover the costs of the production of playing jerseys, ensuring as much money as possible can go directly toward supporting the chosen charity.  

Greer Marshall, General Manager of Operations for TotalEnergies NZ, said the partnership provides an opportunity to support important conversations around mental health and looking after one another within the Hawke’s Bay community. 

“At TotalEnergies New Zealand, we know that looking after our people extends beyond the workplace. Mates4Life is doing vital work right here in our Hawke's Bay community by providing location companies with free, practical training to recognise when someone is struggling and act before it's too late. Supporting Mates4Life is how we show up for our mates.” 

Mates4Life is a local Hawke's Bay charity on a mission to ensure no one in our community has to struggle alone. They believe anyone can help prevent suicide when they know what to look for and how to respond.  Through their programme they teach these skills while also building stronger awareness of mental health, breaking down stigma, and sharing wellbeing tips and pathways to support. 

With the support of workplaces and organisations, Mates4Life trains team members who then take these skills into their whānau and friends, creating a stronger Hawke's Bay community. 

Mates4Life General Manager Tyson Ataera said the partnership with Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union provides an important platform to help drive conversations around mental health and suicide prevention 

“Rugby is a huge part of who we are as Kiwis. We look up to our players, our kids dream of pulling on the black and white hoops and ultimately the black jersey and getting together with friends and whānau for the game on the weekend is a core part of our culture.  

“So having Hawke's Bay Rugby Union choose Mates4Life as their charity jersey partner this year is a massive deal. Their support will help normalise the kōrero about mental health, chip away at the stigma that still prevents people from reaching out when they need help and will show that looking out for your mates is one of the strongest things you can do. 

“At Mates4Life we believe talking openly about mental health and suicide saves lives, and we train everyday people to recognise when someone isn't okay and know exactly what to do.   

“We're stoked to have the support of Hawke's Bay Rugby Union in 2026 and look forward to the impact we can make together.” 

Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union Marketing & Communications Manager, Caleb Horsefield said the charity jersey initiative continues to grow in both support and significance each year. 

“We’re proud to support Mates4Life and help shine a light on mental health. 

“The charity jersey initiative has received amazing support over the years, and we’re excited to see the community get behind Mates4Life this season, by grabbing yourself a replica or a playing jersey. 

“We had a huge number of applications this year, which shows the fantastic work being done across Hawke’s Bay and the growing need for support for local charities.” 

Replica charity jerseys will be available to pre-purchase once released, with all proceeds from sales going directly towards supporting Mates4Life.