Sporting greats feature large in brand’s birthday project

• Published date: 26 April 2024
• Author: Dan Ahwa
• Publication title: New Zealand Herald, The (Auckland, New Zealand)

Yachtsman Sir Peter Blake and All Black legends Jonah Lomu and Sir Michael Jones feature on the mural painted by artist couple Charles and Janine Williams to commemorate 120 years of local clothing brand Canterbury New Zealand

Gathering at its headquarters on Tuesday, staff officiated the unveiling of the final artwork with Lomu’s wife Nadene, her two sons Dhyreille, 13, and Brayley, 15, and her parents Lois and Mervyn Quirk. Sharing the emotional moment with her family, Lomu reflected upon the connection the brand has with her late husband, considered by many to be one of the greatest rugby players of all time.

“It’s been a bit of an emotional process,” she said.

“Anytime when Jonah is involved it’s always an emotional journey for us. Even though we’re nearing the nine-year mark since his passing, it doesn’t feel like it. The way I keep up with these emotions is seeing the growth of my children.

“Canterbury has been respectful during this process, sending me updates along the way as the mural has progressed. It’s been a special journey.”

The three portraits are rendered in black and white, supported by striped backgrounds reflective of their careers, and anchored in the centre by the 120-year Canterbury logo featuring a detailed kiwi in profile. The kiwi mirrors the Canterbury logo’s distinctive three-kiwi design. The mural took a month to complete.

“Charles and Janine captured the essence of these three great New Zealanders,” said Luke Doddrell, the brand’s senior VP of Canterbury Global.

“When you think about the mark these three iconic Kiwis have made, they all came from humble beginnings. What we know about them is their toughness — but it’s a toughness of mental resilience and perseverance. They each faced adversity throughout their careers and journeys in life. One thing they share in common is they changed the lives of individuals and communities they came into contact with, both locally and...