After two-weeks and more than 250 submissions, Auckland FC has released its shortlist of the five designs for a potential club mascot.
The shortlist reflects the submissions that were received, the majority being birds followed by knights, and then interesting uses and interpretations of the Sky Tower.
The biggest debate since the flag referendum starts now, with fans having the chance to have their say on which mascot should run out at Go Media Stadium on the first day of the new season.
Voting closes at 1pm on July 9. An expert panel will then decide on the winning mascot with the fan favourite counted as one vote on the four-person panel.
The panel will be made up of; Auckland FC CEO, Nick Becker, Jonno Ross, Auckland FC FRG and Port member, Chris Chang, Auckland FC fan and TVNZ Breakfast host, and Denise Hailes, expert costume and mascot designer and maker.
The winning mascot design will then be announced on Friday, July 18. Fans can have their say and vote for their favourite design here.
The Shortlist:
Koko the kōkako, by Asher Taylor
Asher says: My idea for our new mascot is Koko – the kōkako. This is a rare native bird known for courage, singing, and soaring high. Kōkako live in the bush surrounding Auckland. Koko brings big energy, courage, and local pride to every match. With black and blue colours and a loud singing voice, Koko’s here to proudly back AFC!
Judges’ comments: Koko looks like a cheeky chappy who could bring fun and laughter to fans on match days. Whether that is cheering along with the Port or going down the slide. The brids’ recovery has also been a North Island success story – a bit like Auckland FC.
Porter the penguin, by Anna Lynskey
Anna says: My idea is a blue penguin named porter the penguin (or Porter for short). I selected the name Porter because it cleverly incorporates the idea of ‘the port’ which is a very central concept for AFC. Porter represents new Zealand’s marine life and the variety, resilience and uniqueness it holds. I tried to make him a loveable character that is appealing to all ages in order to engage a larger demographic of fans.
I gave him a sailor hat to represent Auckland harbour, and the fact that Auckland is the “city of sails”. Porter also carries a shield which links back to the ‘black knights’ and the idea of Auckland’s bravery and willingness to fight to reach outstanding heights (as it has done this past season).
Judges’ comments: We love the thought that has been put into Anna’s design, the hat and the shield are great touches. She’s the only person to give us exact dimensions although these may need some revision.
Tama the Kingfisher, by Agnes Jun
Agnes says: The Kōtare, the kingfisher native to NZ. Because the kingfisher is fast, focused, and native to Auckland, perfect for a sharp, bold football team like Auckland FC.
Judges’ comments: A beautiful design with a lot of impact. We love the use of colour. The anthropomorphic combination of bird and footballer is top tier.
Knight, by Teddy Marshall
Teddy says: I have designed a mascot based on the Black Knight with a Sky Tower sword and wearing the Auckland FC home shirt.
Judges’ comments: Teddy’s use of the Sky Tower as a sword is first class. He has integrated our nickname, the Black Knights, with an Auckland landmark in a unique way, helping cement our place at the heart of the community.
Fan Tail, by Ella Hamilton
Ella says: Fantails are one of New Zealand’s most beautiful but underrated birds. I hope you’re a ‘fan’ of it.
Judges’ comments: We loved the creative use of the fantail feathers to spell out Auckland. The use of the gold alongside blue and black also caught our eye, all three are AFC brand colours. One of the judges also has a thing for fantails.
Fans can have their say and vote for their favourite design here.
