Wānaka athletes are at the forefront of the New Zealand Team’s newly revealed uniform for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, with twins Fin and Cam Melville Ives among those set to wear the kit on the world’s biggest winter sports stage.

The New Zealand Team uniform, unveiled this week, will be worn by athletes across training, competition, village life and official ceremonies when the Winter Games get under way in Italy in February 2026.

Recently selected NZ Team freeski halfpipe athlete Fin Melville Ives said wearing the uniform was a proud moment.

“Growing up in New Zealand, it's so awesome to see all the idols repping the silver fern, it means so much to show it off while representing the country,” he said.

The uniform includes technical outerwear for mountain environments, training layers for daily use, and ceremonial pieces for official Olympic moments.

His twin brother, NZ Team snowboard halfpipe athlete Cam Melville Ives, said stepping into the uniform brought the Olympic dream closer to reality. 

“I’m so hyped to be able to compete next year, alongside my brother and wear the fern on my chest, repping New Zealand,” he said.

“Putting on the kit makes it all feel real; it’s a reminder of how much work has gone in and how proud we are to represent Aotearoa.”

New Zealand Olympic Committee chief executive Nicki Nicol said the uniform had been shaped by athlete input to ensure it met the demands of elite winter sport. 

“The athletes collaborated closely to make sure the design delivers on both performance and style,” she said.

Among the items is the Epiq Down Parka, which will be worn during ceremonies, alongside high-performance jackets, trousers and anoraks designed for harsh alpine conditions.

PHOTOS: Supplied