By Chris Nicholls

WELLINGTON: Fisher & Paykel has announced it will expand its support of the New Zealand netball team by joining the group of sponsors behind the ANZ Championship. 

Fisher & Paykel chief executive and managing director, John Bongard, said he was “delighted” with the move.

“We’re delighted to build on our 12-year relationship with Netball New Zealand by supporting this exciting new Trans-Tasman competition,” he said.

“Our relationship with Netball New Zealand and the Silver Ferns has always been based on common values of excellence and innovation. As we extend our business growth into international markets, it is a natural progression to extend our sponsorship portfolio to include the new ANZ Championship.”

ANZ Championship general manager Tony Holding, said, “The new partnership with Fisher & Paykel Appliances is a fantastic addition to the competition and we also appreciate the immense value of their well-established association with New Zealand and Trans-Tasman netball. It’s wonderful for us, as the new competition on the block, to have the support of a company that is already so closely identified with the game.” 

Fisher & Paykel will also retain a significant sponsorship deal with Netball New Zealand.

“We’re thrilled that Fisher & Paykel Appliances will travel with us into this new era for Australasian netball. This new commitment to support the ANZ Championship is a logical extension of their long term sponsorship of the Silver Ferns and our International Test series. This evolution of our relationship will be positive both for Fisher & Paykel Appliances and the sport,” said Netball New Zealand Netball chief executive, Raelene Castle.