How did the colour black become part of New Zealands identity?

Answer 1

According to the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, in 1893, Tom Ellison proposed at the first AGM of the NZRFU that the uniform be 'black jersey with silver fern monogram, black cap and stockings and white knickerbockers'. This was possibly to allow the reuse of uniforms for those in the New Zealand Natives and or the Wellington teams.

The shorts were changed to black in 1901, and the name All Blacks was coined, although exactly by whom is debated).

This name for the most prominent national sports team led to a strong national identity associated with the colour black. Many New Zealanders will wave a black flag emblazoned with the silver fern in preference to the national flag at sports events.

Some sports people have said there is a psychological advantage over competitors in wearing the colour black, but some research has suggested that referees tend to judge those wearing black more harshly.