The controversial green jersey. Photo from ODT files.
Highlanders fans upset about the controversial green
jersey can finally have their say.
The Highlanders have begun their consultation over what
jersey to wear in the 2013-14 seasons, with general manager
Roger Clark saying he could not pre-empt what the final
jersey would look like.
A survey has been commissioned to quiz supporters over their
thoughts on the jersey and which colour they would prefer.
The survey is being conducted by the University of Otago
marketing department, which Clark said could be seen as an
independent body.
The Highlanders debuted a green playing jersey in the final
home game of last season. It was not well received in many
quarters, with opponents saying it had no links to the three
provincial unions represented by the Highlanders.
Clark earlier this month admitted the board might have made a
mistake in going with the green jersey but would wait to see
what the feedback was before any decision was made.
The side had committed to wearing its traditional blue, gold
and maroon colours for next season, with the green jersey to
be worn in away games.
The survey asks whether a change in the colour of the jersey
would affect fans attending the games and what colour playing
strip would be preferred.
It also asks fans to outline how they valued their commitment
to the Highlanders and whether they had attended games at
Carisbrook last year.
After talks with University of Otago marketing experts, Clark
said they could not totally set out what the consultation
would be.
"We might see that the results they come back with from the
first survey is that everyone wants a return to the jersey we
had. Then we would not have to carry out any further
consultation," Clark said.
"But until that happens we can't say what form it [the
consultation] takes. But after talking to the university we
can see that this consultation could take stages."
He wanted to get as many people as possible to take part in
the survey, to express their thoughts. He did not know how
many responses the survey would get.
A decision on the colours would have to be made by the end of
the year to fit in with a commitment with apparel supplier
adidas.
"We do not want the issue to drag on any longer than it needs
to be. We need to get on with next season where we move to a
new stadium with what we, and the coach, thinks is an
exciting team, and have some exciting games to look forward
to."
• The survey can be accessed at http://marketing.otago.ac.nz/highlanders
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