Hockey New Zealand partners with New Balance
New Balance, one of the world’s leading sportswear brands, has signed a four-year deal with Hockey New Zealand through its Teamwear licensee Belgravia Sports Apparel to become the exclusive apparel provider for the Vantage Black Sticks, and Hockey New Zealand’s premier domestic competition(s).
The Men’s and Women’s Black Sticks and all other national teams will wear New Balance uniforms and training gear as part of their deal. From 2022, fans will be able to show their support by purchasing New Balance apparel at games, in retail stores, and online.
Working alongside BSA to bring the New Balance opportunity to life, HNZ General Manager Commercial & Partnerships, Nick Smith,says attracting a globally recognised brand is a massive endorsement for the sport.
“Hockey is such a skilful and energetic team sport with a huge following in New Zealand and abroad, and we are looking forward to showcasing the great aspects of the game through our partnership with New Balance”. HNZ CEO Anthony Crummy says this news is yet another example of how Hockey NZ is continuing its rise in New Zealand.
“We are thrilled that our fans will be wearing the quality that New Balance will bring to our passionate hockey communities across New Zealand. This is another outstanding partnership that highlights our strategic direction to amplify our sport, and one which reiterates the attractiveness of ourbrand for commercial partners.”
New Balance Pacific General Manager, Dean Howard, said “At New Balance, our job is to aid athletes in their pursuit of excellence, whether that means helping professional athletes win medals, or propelling everyday athletes to live a healthy and active lifestyle”.
“We are proud to partner with Hockey New Zealand and look forward to seeing their teams wearing our uniform, which offers the perfect blend of performance technology and style,” he finished.
Belgravia Chairman and Founder Geoff Lord added that Belgravia is “delighted to provide Hockey NZ with the New Balance partnership. Our clothing group are passionate apparel providers, and this is a fantastic opportunity to deliver world class team and fan-wear”
About New Balance
New Balance Athletics, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. Manufactured in the U.S. for more than 75 years and representing a limited portion of our U.S. sales, New Balance MADE U.S. is a premium collection that contains a domestic value of 70% or greater. New Balance owns and operates four factories in New England and one in Flimby, U.K. New Balance employs more than 7,000 associates around the globe and in 2020 reported worldwide sales of $3.3 billion. To learn more about New Balance, please visit http://www.newbalance.co.nz.
About Belgravia Sports Apparel (BSA)
BSA is a customised apparel supplier owned and operated by The Belgravia Group,consisting of multiple businesses that promote physical activity across a range of industries, including health and fitness, leisure, tourism, property, finance and technology. In 2020, Belgravia Sports Apparel (BSA) signed a collaborative partnership with New Balance Inc. to deliver their elite Teamwear program in the Australasian sports market.