Former hockey star launches clothing label

Mandy Barker. File picture / Kenny Rodger

Former hockey star Mandy Barker has come out of retirement to launch a maternity fashion label.

It ends the hiatus she entered after leaving the Black Sticks four years ago before marrying America's Cup skipper Dean Barker and having the couple's first child, Mia.

Barker told the Herald on Sunday it took almost two years to put hockey behind her after giving 12 years of her life to the sport. Earlier this year, while pregnant, she began experimenting with clothing designs after realising there was a gap in the market.

"It's so important to be able to wear comfortable yet flattering clothes while you're pregnant. That's when I discovered I'd really enjoy designing my own range."

Barker has also become a "dream catcher" in a new Telecom campaign featuring some of New Zealand's best-known faces. It continues work she did with Sport and Recreation New Zealand, where she spoke to pupils about how to set and achieve goals.

The Telecom campaign aims to uncover New Zealanders' aspirations. Early results from the survey reveal Sir Edmund Hillary as the person New Zealanders believe has best achieved his dreams.

Kiwis who have completed the survey at www.bigdreams.co.nz (link below) have also said they would rather walk barefoot on a beach than on a red carpet, win a Nobel Peace Prize over an Oscar, and make a difference rather than an impact.

Barker was due to be in the park at Mission Bay, Auckland, between 1pm and 2pm today to talk to the public about dreams.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY