Highlanders general manager Roger Clark said they were just starting out in the exercise to come up with a new jersey and few details had been confirmed.
The franchise was talking with experts from the University of Otago and others about how to carry out consultation over the new playing strip.
The franchise debuted a new light green playing strip in its last home game last season. However, it had met with some resistance, with criticism the jersey had no connection with the three provincial unions it represented or with people in the South.
The Highlanders then came out and said due to contractual negotiations the new light green jersey would be worn in 2012 but a new playing strip would be worn in 2013 after full consultation with the rugby community.
The way that consultation would be carried out and with whom was yet to be decided upon. Clark said they were taking advice this week on the best way to carry it out.
He said the consultation would begin in September after the ITM Cup had finished.
"With the timeline we have come up with we have got to make a decision for the 2013 jersey by the end of the year," Clark said.
"At this stage it is still very early days. But with the use of the internet, newspapers and other media I would like to think we will be able to get access to a wide section of people.
"We have got the members of the stadium and our members and then members of the wider rugby community so there are plenty of people out there. Online consultation is the most cost-effective way and it is the best way to get as many people involved as you can. There are other options as well and we will consider all options."
He said the green jersey was still an option and it may be that people want to stick with that jersey.
Cost was also an issue. The franchise did not want to spend a lot of money on consultation when its finances were tight and money would be better spent elsewhere.
The franchise was on budget for this season, with a loss budgeted, although the financial year had been extended by two months, as from next season the actual playing of the Super 15 would extend into August.
The new financial year would therefore go from September 1 to August 31.
Clark said although it was disappointing to register a loss, at least they were on budget.
They were looking at initiatives to raise income next year when the side would move to the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
He said there was nothing to report over the potential signings of winger Hosea Gear and hooker Andrew Hore.
Productive talks had been held with both players, Clark said, but until the contracts had been signed the franchise could not confirm the players had joined the Highlanders.
The New Zealand Rugby Union was the actual employer and with the players on All Black duties it often took time for players to get round to finalising contracts for next season.
