The impact of COVID-19 threw up a myriad of challenges but once again Netball received outstanding support from our loyal band of partners and the ability to deliver some special opportunities in far from normal times.
For the Silver Ferns, this included lastminute changes of locations and the introduction of a new series. With the collective weight of our fantastic support base behind us as well, this meant there were plenty of positives to come out of an eventful year. The strong brand that is associated with the Silver Ferns showed continued growth thanks to our regular partners while also attracting new ones. Featuring on the Silver Ferns dress for the first time, Altherm Window Systems were welcomed on board in 2021. This was a significant achievement during testing times and demonstrates the growing recognition and increasing importance of women’s sport.
Broadcast Showcasing large doses of inventiveness and flexibility, Sky Sport worked tirelessly alongside us to make dates and venues work under extreme time pressures this year. This was particularly evident around the Silver Ferns, who faced numerous disruptions through lockdowns, venue changes and a late series added to their programme. The partnership between Sky and TVNZ, as its free-to-air partners for the Silver Ferns matches against the England Roses and Aotearoa Men, proved to
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be a great success in highlighting a considerable lift in important demographic groups.
modified formats aimed at meeting the needs of the players in each age group, ensuring a lifelong participation.
The March Constellation Cup series against Australia performed well also in a non-traditional window for international Netball.
This partnership is the second time ANZ has backed the futureFERNS programme which promotes players to have more touches on the ball, more play, more shots at goal and more fun.
The Silver Ferns matches were streamed on Sky Go and Sky Sport Now as well, while playing out into territories across the globe via our offshore streaming platform. During difficult times, when the Silver Ferns played just one of their 10 Tests in front of crowds, Monstavision played an integral role in showcasing our partners’ in-venue presence via the LED screens they had set up. In a stunning visual presentation, they provided the razzle dazzle in impressive fashion.
Silver Ferns Broadcast Numbers Viewership of the ANZ Premiership grew by 35 percent compared with the previous year and the feat of over one million New Zealanders watching at some point during the 2021 season was achieved once again.
Netball New Zealand Many of our partners traverse different areas of our game and NNZ remains grateful for the continued support we receive across the spectrum, from grassroots to the elite level. NNZ’s long-term partner ANZ extended its support of Netball with a return as naming rights sponsor for the popular futureFERNS programme. The ANZ futureFERNS is the official junior Netball programme for Years 1 to 8 and designed as a game to grow with the players. The initiative progresses through
ANZ supports at grassroots level also, through its ANZ Grants programme, which has delivered more than $800,000 to community Netball over the years. Cadbury extended its support of Netball as Principal Volunteer Partner for another two years, building on its foundations of acknowledging and rewarding the thousands of volunteers who dedicate their time to the sport. NNZ and the Silver Ferns entered a new partnership with Stryker this year too. This is one of the world’s leading medical technology companies and manufacturer of global Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), LIFEPAK and HeartSine devices, among other products. It has served the medical community for over 80 years, working in partnership with customers to make healthcare better.
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We are continually grateful for the unwavering backing Netball enjoys; in 2021 that was highlighted by a combined willingness and spirit from all involved in ensuring events kept running wherever possible.
In cementing the partnership, Stryker has become an official AED provider to the Silver Ferns, who now travel with an AED, both in New Zealand and when touring overseas. New Zealand’s leading flower delivery brand, Interflora, partnered with NNZ also as an official supplier during 2021. In an exclusive three-year partnership, Interflora has become the Official Florist of both NNZ and the Silver Ferns. Celebration Box, a fast-growing, New Zealand owned and operated gift box and flower brand, became the official naming rights sponsor for the inaugural NNZ U18 Champs held in July. G.J. Gardner Homes continued its relationship as the official sponsor of umpires across all levels of the game.
Netball New Zealand Annual Report 2021
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