We are proudly Kiwi...
We have a good mate called Bryan, from the Coppuccino podcast.
> Listen: https://soundcloud.com/coppuccino
> Instagram: @Coppoccinopodcast
Bryan is a huge Tactical fan (5.11 obsessed!) and he has some great stories with some guys like Joel Lambert - a US Navy seal whom some of you will know from the hit tv show Manhunt (Joel was on the August 2019 Coppoccino podcast) and a few other well known Kiwi names.
Give him a follow and listen.
The podcast is going from strength to strength and it's rubbing shoulders with some well known big hitters.
Late last year Bryan interviewed Rebecca Nelson. (December 2019 Coppoccino podcast)
Fantastic podcast! She's a great muso, Navy girl, and all-round fantastic person.
Long story short. Rebecca runs a charity called Te Kiwi Māia (At 18 minutes in the podcast they talk about Te Kiwi Māia).
...and we are proud to say that we've partnered up with Te Kiwi Māia.
We will be doing our part to raise awareness and support for the charity...but we need your help!
Te Kiwi Māia – The Courageous Kiwi
Te Kiwi Maia provides rehabilitation, recovery and respite to first responders, who – as a result of their role in safeguarding and caring for New Zealanders – have physical or psychological injuries. They enable them and their families to continue healthy, positive lives.
For more information go to: www.tekiwimaia.co.nz/
What can you do?
Go check out the Te Kiwi Maia social media accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/TeKiwiMaia
https://www.instagram.com/tekiwimaia/
If you want to take it a step further. Te Kiwi Māia has some fantastic shirts that they use for fundraising.
Now, we like our gear to be the absolute best and we can vouch for these.
The material has a great feel to it and the graphic has been specially made to not crack or go gnarly after a few uses. The quality is fantastic.
The graphic on the shirt has a great story!
The Te Kiwi Māia T- Shirt is proudly designed by Renee Thyne
While in lockdown the TKM trustees got in touch with one of their colleagues from the Royal New Zealand Air Force who is also a very talented artist. Renee was more than happy to help out for the cause and designed an awesome t-shirt.
“I wanted to be involved as I am a member of our Defence force. Although my job has not currently caused any ill effect on my mental health I empathise with my colleagues and fellow responders for what they may encounter as a result of the work we do. I was only too happy to provide my skills to generate awareness and support for Te Kiwi Māia. My idea for the design was to promote mental wellness. The helmets represent the heads of our responders and the heart not only represents the health of those personnel but the support of the person wearing the shirt.” – Renee Thyne
About Renee
Renee graduated from AUT in 2009 after completing two years of study in graphic design. She then went on to work as a freelance illustrator completing children’s books for Duck Creek Press, one of New Zealand’s leading independent book publishers.
Renee had a complete change of career in 2014 when she joined the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF). In her role as a Security Forces Specialist, she is regularly tasked to provide core military training within the RNZAF and has been operationally deployed to the Middle East.
Whilst maintaining her service career in the RNZAF, Renee continues to develop the skills she has mastered from her graphic design training and is regularly creating visual artworks.
Visit her here: https://www.facebook.com/artbyreneethyne/
How to get your hands on one.
From today, you will be able to get yourself a shirt from our Auckland and Wellington stores.
You can also get them online. There is also a lady's version.
100% (that's $35) of the shirt sale will go to the trust.
Te Kiwi Māia Male S/S Shirt Black
Get your here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/te-kiwi-maia-male-s-s...
Te Kiwi Māia Male S/S Shirt White
Get yours here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/te-kiwi-maia-male-s-s...
Te Kiwi Māia Female S/S Shirt Black
Get yours here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/te-kiwi-maia-female-s...
Te Kiwi Māia Female S/S Shirt White
Get yours here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/te-kiwi-maia-female-s...
But wait...there's more!
We also have a new special product being launched today, together with our partnership with Te Kiwi Māia.
It's the New Zealand Blue Line Flag patch!
...and if you buy a Te Kiwi Māia shirt we'll add a patch to your order.
* Whilst promotion lasts it will be added automatically to your shopping cart or one of the team will give you one instore.
You can also buy the patch separately if you'd like.
A portion of the proceeds will go to Te Kiwi Māia.
Embroidered New Zealand Flag Patch w/Velcro Blue Line
Get your Blue Line Flag patch here: https://store.tactical.co.nz/embroidered-new-zeala...
A bit of a different message from us...
...but an important one.
If you need help, there are people out there.
- 1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
- Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat
- Samaritans – 0800 726 666
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
- What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.
- Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.
- thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
- Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
- Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825
If it’s an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.