12 November 2020
A message from our Coaching team!
As coaches we were really excited to start working together and developing a team to face off against the world. But with no World Cup date set before the pandemic erupted, and pretty much every country in various states of managing the virus, it’s difficult to know when we can realistically expect a date and location to be announced.
We still want to work together to continue the development of our roller derby athletes in Aotearoa New Zealand, so that when things start to clear up we’ll have been training together and can easily progress to selections and team development.
So, we are going to run regular training weekends for skaters across Aotearoa New Zealand, starting in January. They will be run by the Team New Zealand (TNZ) coaches.
You can get all the information here.
16 October 2020
This is a joint announcement, on behalf of Mana Tangata o Aotearoa and Team New Zealand, formerly known as Team Aotearoa. This is to announce the name change of “Team Aotearoa” to “Team New Zealand”, and the reasons behind this decision.
He tukunga tahi nō Mana Tangata o Aotearoa, nā Team New Zealand, te tīma i karangahia ai ko Team Aotearoa.Ko te tikanga o tēnei tukunga hei whakapuaki i te panonitanga o te ingoa “Team Aotearoa” ki te “Team New Zealand”, me te take i pēnei ai.
In 2016 a decision was made by New Zealand Roller Derby Team players, Coaching and Executive regarding how the New Zealand Roller Derby team would be represented on the world stage at the Roller Derby World Cup in Manchester. There was a desire to proactively empower all cultures and to support decolonising roller derby. The team, Executive, Team Coach Mick Swagger (also founder of Team Indigenous), and an external consultant launched a process. The end result was that “Team New Zealand Roller Derby” changed their name to “Aotearoa Roller Derby” across all naming and branding. Operational and media strategies were developed and implemented to increase cultural awareness.
I te tau e 2016, i whakatauria ai e Ngā Kaiwhakataetae o Te Reti Rapa o Niu Tireni, e Ngā Kaiwhakaako me Ngā Kaiwhakahaere mō te āhua o te whakakanohitanga atu o te Kapa Reti Rapa o Niu Tireni ki te ao whānui i te Whakataetae o Te Ao i Manchester. He hiahia kia kōkiri ake te whakamana i ngā ahurea katoa me te tautāwhi i ngā mahi purenga ihomatua ki Te Reti Rapa. Nā Te Kapa, nā Ngā kaiwhakahaere, Nā Mick Swagger te Kaiwhakaako o te tīma (me te kaiwhakaū o te Tima Iwi Taketake), rātou ko tētahi mātanga ā-waho, tētahi kawenga i whakarewa. Ko te hua ka panonihia a “Team New Zealand Roller Derby” kia huaina ā-waitohu, ā-ingoa ko “Aotearoa Roller Derby”.I whakaritea, ā, i whāia he rautaki mahi pāpāoho, me ngā whakahaerenga ā-rōpū kia aronui ngā tini ahurea.
Mana Tangata o Aotearoa was established in 2019 as a safe cultural space where Māori, Pasifika, and POC would have more opportunities to celebrate indigenousness and represent their nations and ancestors.
I whakatūria ai a Mana Tangata o Aotearoa i te tau e 2019 hei āhuru mōwai kia whai wāhi ai te Māori, te Tangata Pasifika, me Te Hunga Whaikano hei whakanui i te mana iwi taketake me te whakakanohi i ō rātou iwi, i ō rātou tīpuna hoki.
The establishment of Mana Tangata o Aotearoa is completely supported by Team New Zealand. At the time of Mana Tangata o Aotearoa establishment, Team New Zealand was known under the name and brand of “Team Aotearoa”.
Kei te tautokohia katoatia te whakatūnga o Mana Tangata o Aotearoa e Team New Zealand. I te whakatūnga o Mana Tangata o Aotearoa, i karangahia ko “Team Aotearoa” a Team New Zealand.
Mana Tangata o Aotearoa requested for the established “Team Aotearoa” to repatriate the name “Aotearoa” to the people of the land, the indigenous players and representatives. Team Aotearoa supported the request and became Team New Zealand. We have both made assurances to work alongside each other in support of all players of New Zealand/Aotearoa.
I tono a Mana Tangata o Aoteroa ki a “Team Aotearoa” kia whakahoki te ingoa “Aotearoa” ki ngā kaiwhakataetae me ngā māngai o te tangata whenua, o ngā iwi taketake. I tautoko a Team Aotearoa i te tono kia Team New Zealand kē te ingoa. Ka mahi ngātahi hei hiki i te mana o ngā kaiwhakataetae katoa o Niu Tireni/Aotearoa.
Following joint in-depth discussions, Team New Zealand came to the understanding that the biggest step they could make toward supporting inclusivity and decolonisation of roller derby was to return the use of “Aotearoa” exclusively to Mana Tangata o Aotearoa. This decision reflects Team New Zealand’s tautoko (support) and utmost respect for Mana Tangata o Aotearoa and their mana as the indigenous team.
Whai muri i te wānanga tahi me te whakawhitiwhiti kōrero tahi, i mārama ai te Kapa o Niu Tireni ko te whakahoki i te whakamahinga o te “Aotearoa” ki a Mana Tangata o Aotearoa, te taumata o te tautoko i te whakakotahitanga me ngā mahi purenga ihomatua i te reti rapa. Ko tēnei whakataunga he whakatinana i te nui o te tautoko o Team New Zealand me te manaaki i a Mana Tangata o Aotearoa me tō rātou mana hei kapa iwi taketake.
He waka eke noa – A vessel we are all in without exception.
(Nā Reupena Tawhai i whakamāori)
21 MAY 2020
INTRODUCING OUR NEXT WORLD CUP COACHES
Today we are proud to announce an incredibly strong and experienced coaching team, who are excited to work together on the next World Cup and to build long term plans to strengthen Aotearoa Roller Derby for the years beyond.
Eve, our Head Coach, is joined by coaches Benji and Cooper (from Dead End Derby), and Penny (formerly Richter City).
Team Aotearoa Coaching has a strong focus on the long term future of roller derby in Aotearoa. They are excited to work with the whole derby community to create a sustainable, inclusive and competitive national team that extends beyond the next World Cup campaign. The coaches want to encourage easy communication, feedback and transparency – so if you would like to get in touch with them, please email coaching.teamaotearoa@gmail.com.
12 JUNE 2016
TEAM NEW ZEALAND CHANGES NAME TO AOTEAROA ROLLER DERBY
Recently the team’s coaching and executive members and skaters came to an important decision about how they’d like the squad to be represented on the world stage at the Roller Derby World Cup in Manchester.
The roller derby communities here and abroad have led the way in terms of progressive inclusivity. Today, New Zealand’s roller derby team are proud to continue that tradition by fully embracing our country’s indigenous name.
“Team New Zealand Roller Derby” will be changing to “Aotearoa Roller Derby (Team New Zealand)” across all of its naming and branding. In our language we’re committed to using bilingual English and Māori words and phrases where possible, and our squad has been hard at work practicing the haka [traditional Māori ceremonial war dance] to perform in front of everyone at the Roller Derby World Cup.
We thank everyone who has encouraged and helped us to reach this decision (including the motivational former captain of the New Zealand Black Ferns, Farah Palmer), and we hope that our community, fans, and friends embrace and support this powerful move.
Ngā mihi
3 MAY 2017
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ROLLER DERBY ALUMNI REMEMBERED
STATEMENT: Aotearoa Roller Derby’s heartfelt condolences go out to the friends and family of Nicki Noxious, a former Team New Zealand Roller Derby skater.
Noxious was a prominent figure in our country’s roller derby community who made a significant contribution to the development of the sport locally and nationally. A member of the New Zealand Roller Derby Team at the 2014 World Cup, she was known for working tirelessly behind the scenes and as a formidable presence on the track.
She was an inspiration to so many, and will always hold a place in the hearts of our close-knit community. She will be greatly missed.
13 FEBRUARY 2017
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ROLLER DERBY TRAINING SQUAD ANNOUNCED
We’re proud to reveal the 32 skaters who have made the Team New Zealand training squad after a long and demanding trial last week at Full Contact.
A word from the Team New Zealand Coaching Manager, Mick Swagger, about the talent that was on display:
“I want to thank everyone for participating in trials thus far and showing tenacity and incredible skill throughout the process. We appreciate your commitment and encourage you to uplift and support your derby sisters that did not make the squad. We recognise it is a difficult position to be in and with it many emotions will bubble to the surface. Please be kind to each other and to yourselves and remember the love you have for roller derby and why you play this incredible sport. Thanks so much for entrusting us with this incredible responsibility of organising.”
Please join us in congratulating the following skaters!
Anna Pave’U-Ova – Victorian Roller Derby League
Arse’n’all – Auckland Roller Derby League
Axle Rosé – Dunedin Derby
Baddy – Dead End Derby
Baker – Auckland Roller Derby League
Ballistic Button – Pirate City Rollers
Bambi – Manchester Roller Derby
Bubble O’Kill – Richter City Roller Derby
Coup D’eTalia – Pirate City Rollers
Crunch – Pirate City Rollers
Danelle Mercer (Underage Rage) – Swamp City Roller Derby
EVenger – Bay City Rollers
Evil K. Neevil – Dead End Derby
Hui – Pirate City Rollers
IvyK’Nivey – Victorian Roller Derby League
Lady Trample – Victorian Roller Derby League
Little Yellow Jacket – Dunedin Derby
Mackenzie – Auckland Roller Derby League
maDD Honour – Swamp City Roll Derby
Maggie Mayhem – Dead End Derby
McFeerce – Whakatāne Roller Derby League
Princess Slayer – Richter City Roller Derby
Riley (Papercut) – Pirate City Rollers
Saunders (Justass For All) – Swamp City Roller Derby
Sasse – Auckland Roller Derby League
Slay’er Swift – Sun State Roller Girls
Smith – Mount Militia Derby Crew
Sugar Hit – Pirate City Rollers
Terror Satana – Auckland Roller Derby League
Tino Turnher – Richter City Roller Derby
Tuff Bikkies – Richter City Roller Derby
TutanKarnage – Pirate City Rollers
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ROLLER DERBY STATEMENT REGARDING SELECTION PROCESS
Following several meetings over this past week with Team New Zealand’s coaches and selectors, the Executive Committee has made the following recommendations to the squad selection process, which have been agreed to by the Coaching & Selection Committee and will be implemented for future selections.
An impartial Executive Committee member sits in on the selection process/discussions as an observer. They’re there to oversee and minute the process, but they do not contribute to discussions or help the Coaching & Selection Committee reach a selection decision in any way.
The selection of skaters to the squad will not be made during the same weekend as a tryout/compulsory training.
The criteria for selection will be made available to every skater prior to a selection date.
There is also an avenue for those skaters who wish to appeal their non-selection that can be heard by the Executive Committee. All skaters who were not selected to continue training with Team New Zealand have been informed of how they may do this.
The Executive Committee is thankful to everyone who has shared their thoughts, feedback, and comments so far.
A post will follow shortly with the official announcement of the Team New Zealand training squad.
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ROLLER DERBY REVEALS NEW BRANDING
As we head into the weekend and our first get-together at Full Contact Convention 2017, we’re excited to be able to reveal to you our new Team New Zealand logo!
Many thanks goes to our wonderful designer, Hellvetica (Whakatāne Roller Derby League), who has this to say about the design process:
“The challenge of branding Team New Zealand was twofold. First, figuring out what values best sum up New Zealand and NZ roller derby, then creating a brand which encompassed those values and represented Team New Zealand proudly and clearly.
Our strong, modern team is now represented by a strong, modern brand which fits in seamlessly with other NZ national sports logos, with a nod to our national culture and our sport without being too overt.”
We’re in love with the logo, and we hope you are too! Let us know your thoughts and comments.
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ROLLER DERBY REVEALS INITIAL TRAINING SQUAD
We’re excited to announce the initial squad of 50 skaters for Team New Zealand Roller Derby 2017!
More than 90 people applied to join Team New Zealand, and the caliber of athletes to choose from was high. New Zealand roller derby was well represented throughout all of the tryouts.
The first training for Team New Zealand Roller Derby will be at Full Contact Convention 2017 in February, after which the Coaching & Selection Committee faces the tough job of selecting just 32 skaters to continue with the squad.
Join us in congratulating all of those skaters who’ve made the initial squad, and wishing them the best of luck as they train in preparation for their first get-together in February.
Anna Pave-U’Ova – Victorian Roller Derby League
Arse’n’all – Auckland Roller Derby League
Axle Rosé – Dunedin Derby
Baddy – Dead End Derby
Baker – Auckland Roller Derby League
Ballistic Button – Pirate City Rollers
Bambi – Manchester Roller Derby
Bubble O’Kill – Richter City Roller Derby
C-3P-0WNED – Pirate City Rollers
Coup d’eTalia – Pirate City Rollers
Crunch – Pirate City Rollers
Elicia Nisbet-Smith – Rose City Rollers
Ella Kazam – Richter City Roller Derby
Ellen Mackenzie – Auckland Roller Derby League
EVenger – Bay City Rollers
Evil K. Neevil – Dead End Derby
Fox-Z – Dunedin Derby
Gael Force – Richter City Roller Derby
Hannah Jennings – Rose City Rollers
Hellvetica – Whakatāne Roller Derby League
Hui – Pirate City Rollers
Iona Shotgun – Dead End Derby
IvyK’nivey – Victorian Roller Derby League
Justass for All – Swamp City Roller Derby
Kill Billy – Bay City Rollers
Lady Trample – Victorian Roller Derby League
Little Yellow Jacket – Dunedin Derby
maDD Honour – Swamp City Roller Derby
Maggie Mayhem – Dead End Derby
McFeerce – Whakatāne Roller Derby League
Danelle Mercer (Underage Rage) – Swamp City Roller Derby
Missbhaven – Pirate City Rollers
Papercut – Pirate City Rollers
Princess Die – Sulphur City Steam Rollers
Princess Slayer – Richter City Roller Derby
Sasse – Auckland Roller Derby League
Serious Crash Unit – Dead End Derby
Shan – Pirate City Rollers
Skanda Lass – Richter City Roller Derby
Skatan – Northland Nightmares Roller Derby
Slay’er Swift – Sun State Roller Girls
Smith – Mount Militia Derby Crew
Suffer Jet – Richter City Roller Derby
Sugar Hit – Pirate City Rollers
Terror Satana – Auckland Roller Derby League
Tino Turnher – Richter City Roller Derby
Tuff Bikkies – Richter City Roller Derby
TutanKarnage – Pirate City Rollers
Volcanic Ash – Richter City Roller Derby
2 Feral 2 Furious – Dead End Derby
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ROLLER DERBY TRY-OUT LOCATIONS REVEALED
We are now taking registrations for skaters to tryout for 2017 Team New Zealand Roller Derby!
The tryouts will be held in three locations across New Zealand:
Christchurch: 10th December, Cowles Stadium. 1pm – 5pm
Palmerston North: 11th December. B&M Centre. 12pm – 4pm
Auckland: 17th & 18th December, Trusts Arena. 10am – 2pm.
To register for a 2017 Team New Zealand Roller Derby tryout, please submit the attached form.
TRYOUT REGISTRATION FORM: https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSeuVOZjUAcw1Gjilx…/viewform
Applications are open until 12pm December 1st 2016.
TEAM NEW ZEALAND ROLLER DERBY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED
The Team New Zealand Executive Committee is excited to announce our Coaching Committee for the 2017 Team New Zealand Roller Derby.
Please join us in congratulating the following members of the Committee:
- Coaching Manager: Mick Swagger (Victorian Roller Derby League)
- Assistant Coaches: Justass For All (Swamp City Roller Derby) & Bruiser (Dead End Derby)
- Team Selectors: Baddy Long Legs (Dead End Derby) & Sugar Hit (Pirate City Rollers)
This Committee will work together to create a selection process for upcoming tryouts, coaching and strategy plans for the 2017 Team New Zealand, and more.
Major thanks also go to every person who made a submission for these roles.