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Keith Allen, CEO of Haier Australia, says Haier is proud to be the key sponsor of Central Pulse and involved in one of New Zealand's top sporting competitions.
"We are pleased to have the opportunity to join New Zealand netball as an exclusive sponsor of Central Pulse. There's an exciting year ahead for the team and we are looking forward to supporting them both on and off the court," says Allen.
Troy Scragg, Sales Manager for Haier in New Zealand adds: "Haier is keen to get involved in Kiwi sports during 2010 and beyond. We look forward to starting the season strongly and have no doubt that we can assist the Pulse to have a great season."
Haier has been retailing across New Zealand since November. The company recently announced its partnership with New Zealand's Fisher and Paykel Appliances in which they are now a cornerstone investor.
Under head coach Yvette McCausland-Durie, Pulse has confirmed major new signings, such as international players Jane Altschwager of Australia and Ama Agbeze of England, and a new Silver Fern signing for 2010 Katrina Grant. Together with Silver Ferns Paula Griffin and Camilla Lees, Pulse is set to have a great season with Haier behind them.
Technical advisor Waimarama Taumaunu, currently assistant coach of the Silver Ferns, will stay with Pulse after being appointed to the position late in the season last year.
Bridget Abernethy, Central Pulse CEO says that the team has secured world-class athletes this year and now, with Haier, a world-class sponsorship programme as well.
"We are very optimistic about the season ahead, and to have Haier with us as naming rights sponsor there is even more reason to feel positive. The team is very excited to be playing with the support of such a highly-valued sponsor," says Abernethy.
Central Pulse's first home game of the 2010 ANZ Championship season comes up in Round 2, on 27 March against the Northern Mystics at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.
Central Pulse has shown a lot of promise ahead of this year's competition, most recently leaving Queenstown Pre-Season Tournament with three wins from five matches.
"Haier is looking forward to joining the Central Pulse for their first game in just a few weeks and we hope to see so many supporters out there as well to really kick off what is going to be a great season for the team," said Scragg.
Season passes are available on the Haier Pulse website and individual tickets are able to be purchased through Ticket Direct.
SLIDESHOW IMAGE: Haier Pulse defender Cushla Lichtwark goes high in Round 2, 2009 against Northern Mystics shooter Cathrine Latu. (PHOTO: Michael Bradley)