FANTAIL & TURTLE is a testament to an enduring friendship.

Travis (Fantail) and Troy (Turtle) met when they were 18 years old doing Army Officer training in Waiouru. They became best mates, exercising, training, working, and partying. It was their love of life, not their dance moves, that had them meet their future wives on nights out in Auckland during an era of the best music and worst fashion. They shared adventures, mischief and a lot of laughter; there for each other in the best of times and the most challenging.

Sadly in 2005, Troy found out he was dying. He passed in 2006 leaving a wife, twin boys, and a bereft mate.

Troy’s final gift was a Pikorua carving symbolising the enduring connection they shared, which is now worn proudly on our uniforms and functions as the ampersand in our logo.