TVNZ and Netball New Zealand Renew Their Partnership
Netball New Zealand today announced that New Zealanders will see an increase in the number of netball games on
television under a new four year agreement with TVNZ.
The planned coverage boost starts in 2005 and will cover a range of netball games including all Silver Ferns Tests.
Coverage of the National Bank Cup games will increase to two games a week (as well as the semis and final)
Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Shelley McMeeken said the increased commitment to coverage by TVNZ reflected the
popularity and support of the game.
“Netball fans have been telling us for some time now that they want to see more of their sport on TV and we are pleased
that TVNZ has agreed to help make this a reality,” she said.
Netball is an intense and exciting sport that translates well onto TV and we are thrilled that TVNZ will be catering
more to Netball fans,” she continued.
The broadcast rights for Netball were offered for tender two months ago as TVNZ’s three year contract finishes at the
end of 2004.
Ms McMeeken acknowledged the role that TVNZ had played in helping to grow the profile of Netball and the exciting
viewing that it had produced.
Netball New Zealand had followed a structured tender process to ensure the best outcome for the sport.
Stephen Smith, Assistant CEO of TVNZ, said that TVNZ was delighted to continue its partnership with New Zealand’s most
popular women’s sport.
“Netball has proved incredibly popular with our viewing audience and we are pleased to have the opportunity to continue
our partnership with Netball New Zealand and to increase the number of games that are broadcast on TV ONE”, he said.