Description
These custom-designed boots were hand-painted for Kalyn Ponga of the Newcastle Knights by Acacia Elers, a proud Māori and Koori young woman and participant in the NRL School to Work program. Acacia belongs to the Tūwharetoaand Tainui tribes of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and is a Worimi descendant from the Port Stephens region. She was born and raised on Awabakal Country in Newcastle.
The boots are a powerful visual representation of Acacia’s dual heritage and Kalyn’s journey, uniting Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and Māori cultures across two uniquely designed boots.
The Indigenous Australian Boot
This boot is a vivid representation of Kalyn’s connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the lands he lives and plays on.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags are boldly featured, acknowledging and honouring First Nations peoples of Australia.
- At the front, the meeting place and community symbol represents Newcastle, the rugby league community, and the power of sport to bring people together.
- Two waterways in blue tones flow along each side of the boot, one side reflecting deep cultural connections to the ocean and coastline of Newcastle, the other symbolising the sea that links us to Aotearoa.
- On the back, the Awabakal eagle totem is featured, offering spiritual protection and guidance for Kalyn and his whanau while he lives and plays on Awabakal Country.
The Māori Cultural Boot
The other boot showcases the rich cultural heritage of Aotearoa and is deeply symbolic of Māori identity.
- The Tino Rangatiratanga flag, also known as the Māori sovereignty flag, is displayed throughout the background —representing Māori self-determination, unity, and pride.
- At the front of the boot, the koru (spiral fern) symbolises Kalyn’s personal growth and unwavering hope for the future.
- Along each side, the silver fern (Ponga)—an iconic Māori symbol—representing KP’s strength, resilience, and enduring power.
- The mangopare design (hammerhead shark motif) is featured to embody courage, determination, and leadership.
- The ngaru (wave patterns) represent the movement of the waka (canoe), symbolising Kalyn’s journey and connection across oceans and cultures.
- At the back, the mythological creature Manaia stands as a guardian—a powerful symbol of protection, balance, and spiritual guidance.
