The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic is starting the season with a fresh new look inspired by a Maori fire goddesss.

The netball team's new uniforms are inspired by the story of Mahuika, the fire goddess with flames glowing at her fingertips and toes representing female power and strength.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic players battle the rain at the base of Mauao to launch the new season.

According to mythology, Mahuika was a fighter who never gave up and played hard until the end – something the Magic team intend to do this season.

The 2012 netball season was officially launched at dawn on Thursday with a blessing ceremony of the new uniform at the foot of Mount Maunganui.

Marketing manager Christine Buckley says the ceremony was attended by a group of local dignitaries, sponsors and other officials.

She says they used the story of Mahuika for the inspiration of the uniform as the team's strength and power will match Mahuika's.

'Everything Mahuika touched would burst into flames, we have taken this to add to the sense that we, the team, will exercise the power, will and mana Mahuika has brought to us.”

She says they will use the passion which burns within each of the deeply rooted in the hearts of Waiariki and Waikato.

The new Magic uniform.

The new uniform design reflects the following:

Yellow - the power and magic of the dawn and sun's rays, the new look and the new season.

Red - the magical qualities of fire and thermal activity.

Blue - the waters including rivers, lakes and ocean not letting flames get out of control.

Black - the magic of night and fairy folk patupaiarehe.