Leadership at Matatū

From their inception, Matatū have consistently held the belief that all members, players and staff are leaders in their own right, and that leadership starts with people leading themselves. 

Matatū have always looked at leadership through a different lens, steering away from the traditional model of a ‘leadership group’ and opting for a distributed approach. “We have always been conscious of growing all players as leaders, not just a select group”, said Whitney Hansen Head Coach of Matatū, “we know leadership is something that can be fostered in everyone”.

The 2025 season will be no different in terms of how guidance looks across their squad, with multiple opportunities across a range of different spaces on and off the field, some of which will be to lead their Matatūtanga (Matatū values).

Alana Bremner, who will once again captain the side, says she feels privileged to have her role reprised “to represent what Matatū means, it’s really special, I’ve got an amazing group of people, I feel really lucky”. Bremner will be supported in this space by a number of different teammates, who will assist her in bringing to life the Matatūtanga across four groups.

“It’s very innovative. By having players step up and lead in areas that are their expertise, it really just helps people find a place in the team and find that bigger purpose,” said Bremner, “people will have bigger connection as they see their belonging”.

The Tūmanawa group encompasses the determination of the players, both on and off the field. When game day comes, this group will be supporting Bremner on the field with her duties as captain, within their own expertise of attack or defence.

The Tūaho group showcases legacy. They will work together with a focus on honouring who has paved the way for women’s rugby and the legacy the team are creating for generations to come.

Tūhono is built on the foundation of connections. This group will focus on Matatū’s relationships within the team, the alumni, partners, and how the team stay connected to the community that surrounds and supports them.

Lastly, Tūtira guides unity. They will showcase a deep understanding of what it means to be Matatū and will guide their teammates with these behaviours. 

“Leadership within Matatū will always ultimately be about creating more leaders” said Hansen, “whether it’s in rugby, or life, we want to be about growing people.”