NZ Team reveal Kathmandu uniform for Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games

Auckland, New Zealand, Tuesday 16th December 2025: The New Zealand Team’s uniform has been revealed for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

The new uniform, designed in Aotearoa, New Zealand by apparel partner Kathmandu, has been rigorously tested across New Zealand’s mountains, snow and winter conditions and will form the training, village and ceremonial wardrobes of the New Zealand Team at Milano Cortina 2026. For the first time, Kiwis can also wear the same gear with a dedicated Replica Collection launched today.

This uniform reveal is especially poignant with Kathmandu being the first Kiwi-born apparel partner for the NZ Team and the first time they will appear on the Olympic stage.

Recently selected NZ Team Freeski Halfpipe athlete, Fin Melville Ives said it was so great to have Kathmandu keeping him on trend. 

“Growing up in New Zealand, it's so awesome to see all the idols repping the silver fern, it means so much to show it off while representing the country,” he said. 

Fin’s twin brother, NZ Team Snowboard Halfpipe athlete, Cam Melville Ives, said the new uniform captures the feeling of stepping onto the world stage.  

“I’m so hyped to be able to compete next year, alongside my brother and wear the Fern on my chest, repping New Zealand,” said Melville Ives.   

“Putting on the Kathmandu kit makes it all feel real; it’s a reminder of how much work has gone in and how proud we are to represent Aotearoa,” he said.  

New Zealand Olympic Committee, CEO, Nicki Nicol, commented that this uniform reveal was a significant milestone in Kathmandu’s four-year partnership with the NZ Team.   

“We’re proud to have partnered with a distinctly Kiwi company like Kathmandu and this first uniform reveal is a date we’ve all been working towards,” said Nicol.   

“I think Kathmandu has done a fantastic job with their first uniform – our team have already been packing it in the bags, bound for Italy. The athletes collaborated closely with the NZOC and Kathmandu to ensure the design delivers on both style and performance. I’m looking forward to seeing our New Zealand Team wearing it with pride at the Games in February next year,” she added.  

Megan Welch, CEO of Kathmandu said: “Partnering with the New Zealand Team for the Winter Olympics is a proud milestone for Kathmandu. Every piece of the uniform, from gear worn in the village to the ceremony outfits, was designed with input from the athletes themselves,”  

“These uniforms show that we’re one team, backing each other and representing Aotearoa with pride and resilience.  

Born in Aotearoa, Built for Pressure  

Every item carries the imprint of a uniquely collaborative design process. Kathmandu have tested, adapted, and refined each garment through repeated feedback loops and real-world trials, ensuring the final collection reflects both performance requirements and athlete identity, for the harshest of all winter conditions.  

The uniform showcases Kathmandu’s longstanding commitment to innovation, driving a shift from a traditional, resource-intensive linear model toward a circular system for the future. 

One Team. One Kit. One Spirit.  

Alongside the team-issued kit, the Replica Collection mirrors select hero pieces from the uniform so supporters can wear the Fern with the same look and feel, bringing fans and athletes closer than ever. 

The Collection includes t-shirts, trousers, hoodies, outerwear, and accessories, all featuring the iconic Fern and designed for comfort, the highest performance, durability, homegrown pride and crafted with sustainability in mind to care for our planet.   

The team will debut their Olympic look in the Epiq Down Parka, a warm and technically advanced ceremony jacket designed using predominantly (70%) recycled nylon and defined as an athlete favourite, to deliver a confident, contemporary presence on the global stage. Leading up to the Games, New Zealand athletes will also find a QR-code badge woven into the inside of their Kathmandu Opening Ceremony jacket. Scanning the code will connect them to a digital platform* filled with messages of support from New Zealanders and fans around the world, reminding them that the team of five million is right there with them on their journey. 

For training and daily wear in the village, the collection introduces pieces such as the waterproof Trailhead Jacket, a lightweight, breathable fabric, keeping athletes dry, with a two-way centre front zip and adjustable hood. As recycled polyester as the main fabric, it holds a mechanical stretch, making it highly mobile.   

In mountain environments, the New Zealand Team will also wear the PWDR DAYS range, high-performance jackets, trousers, and anoraks engineered for harsh winter conditions. Built with tough, single-fibre polyester, the garments withstand repeated impacts with ice and snow, while the mono-material laminate, composed entirely of recycled polyester, can be efficiently returned to their original raw materials at their end of useful life. 

The Winter Olympics Replica Collection, part of the New Zealand Team Supporters' Collection, which will be available to purchase today and will continue to roll out in 2026 as New Zealanders rally for their athletes.    

“The uniform by nature, is built to give New Zealand athletes total confidence on the world stage. What makes it even more special is that supporters can now wear select pieces too – we’re uniting fans and athletes and giving all of Aotearoa the chance to truly go all out for the team.” added Megan Welch.  

To check out the full collection, which is heroed by recognisable Summer and Winter Games athletes, head here or visit selected Kathmandu stores nationwide. 

As a certified B Corp, Kathmandu is part of a global community of businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental impact. 

ENDS