A special waistcoat crafted from vintage Ōpōtiki rugby ties has returned home, where it will now be proudly displayed as a lasting tribute to the district's rich rugby heritage.

The one-of-a-kind garment was presented to the Ōpōtiki Rugby Club this week after being purchased by an anonymous donor from the United Kingdom, who has fond memories of visiting Ōpōtiki for an Anzac Day commemoration around 40 years ago.

Made by New Zealand company Vested Interests – Unique Waistcoats, the waistcoat has been handcrafted from recycled ties carrying the colours and history of the former Ōpōtiki City Sports Club and Ōpōtiki City Rugby Football Club.

Company owner Colin Hodkinson said the business was born from a desire to create something different.

“I never liked boring ties. I wouldn’t wear a tie that wasn’t fun, so I gathered quite a collection over the years.

“The idea to make waistcoats from old ties came about when we were saving for a trip to Canada and wanted to make some extra money.”

The waistcoat features two significant commemorative ties from Ōpōtiki’s rugby past.

The blue tie was produced in 1988 to celebrate the centenary of the Ōpōtiki City Sports Club, established in 1888, while the red tie commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Ōpōtiki City Rugby Football Club.

The Ōpōtiki City Sports Club was formed through the amalgamation of Ōpōtiki City, Ōpōtiki United, Ōpōtiki Māori Players, the Ōpōtiki Rugby Sub Union and the Ōpōtiki Referees, making the ties an important reminder of the club's shared history.

Hodkinson said the ties came into the company’s hands in an unexpected way.

“The ties were provided to our designer and seamstress, Suzanne Boon, by a lady who knew about the ties and helped us to obtain them.”

Boon said the origins of the ties remained something of a mystery.

“The opportunity to make this particular waistcoat came about when a lady found this collection of ties at an op shop and gave them to us.

“Unfortunately, we have not been able to track her down to find out which players the ties originally belonged to.”

Although the individual owners of the ties may never be known, the finished waistcoat preserves an important piece of provincial grassroots rugby history.

The anonymous overseas donor purchased the waistcoat specifically so it could return to the community where the ties originated, ensuring the story behind them could continue to be shared.

Local rugby historian Tony Howe accepted the waistcoat on behalf of the Ōpōtiki Rugby Club during a presentation at the clubrooms on Monday.

“This is a really neat piece of local rugby history,” he said.

“We’re having a display case made for it so it can be displayed in the clubrooms for everyone to enjoy.”

The unique garment will now become a permanent part of the club's historical collection, ensuring the legacy woven into the commemorative ties can continue to be appreciated by future generations of players, supporters and visitors alike.