New Zealand has won the rights to host hockey’s premier international annual event - the FIH 2011 Men’s Champions
Trophy - which will see the world’s top eight teams compete in Auckland from 3-11 December.
With a cumulative television audience estimated at 38 million, it is the first time that New Zealand has held an international
hockey event of this scale.
“Auckland welcomes the FIH 2011 Men’s Champions Trophy in December. I’m determined to make Auckland an events
destination, and hosting the world’s top eight men’s hockey teams is another huge boost for our region hot on the heels of
RWC 2011. In addition to the sporting and media benefits, this event will inject around $1m of new money into our
economy. The teams and officials directly involved in the event will generate over 4,000 visitor nights alone,” says Mayor
Len Brown.
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) president Leandro Negre says New Zealand will put on a first-rate Champions
Trophy. “Hockey is a growing sport in New Zealand and the Black Sticks are consistently performing on the world stage. I
know they will do an excellent job as host, they have been extremely flexible and professional,” says Negre.
Hockey New Zealand’s chief executive Hilary Poole considers this not just a one-off opportunity, but part of an ongoing
commitment to attract world class hockey events to New Zealand.
“It is the last major event on the men’s calendar prior to the 2012 London Olympics - so to have the top eight nations
competing here in Auckland, including our own Black Sticks, will give New Zealanders the chance to see some world-class
hockey,” says Poole.
India was due to host this event, but last week the International Hockey Federation (FIH) confirmed that they had
withdrawn the rights because of ongoing problems with the governance of hockey in India.
Poole says it has been incredible the swift response from our key partners to ensure we have the level of support we need
and the right structures in place to host a successful event within such a short timeframe.
Critical to hosting the event was the support from successful businessmen and philanthropist Owen Glenn. “He
immediately stepped up with funds from his Glenn Family Foundation to help Hockey New Zealand secure the tournament,
by becoming the naming rights sponsor,” says Poole.
Glenn says it is a real privilege to be involved. “I was fortunate to play hockey for 20 years in five different countries. During
this period I met many good people, including three lasting friendships. Hockey is developing into a real community based
sport that involves everyone, it’s a true family sport which is so important for our youth,” notes Glenn.
Other major partners include Auckland Council, Ministry of Economic Development (through New Zealand Major Events),
SPARC, High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) and New Zealand Entertainment and Events Corporation
(NZEEC).
“We congratulate Hockey New Zealand and are very proud to support the Men’s Champion’s Trophy through the Major
Events Development Fund. Securing this event shows that New Zealand is developing a strong reputation as an events
host, able to work to tight deadlines, and still produce an event that is truly world-class,” says Kylie Archer, manager Major
Events for the Ministry of Economic Development.
HPSNZ acting chief executive Martin Toomey said it is an important lead-up event to the London Olympics.
“Hosting the tournament here gives the Black Sticks the opportunity to play against the best in the world on home soil. It’s
important they continue to get that international level competition as they aim for London,’’ says Toomey.
“Hockey New Zealand did the groundwork and due diligence before deciding to submit a bid to host the tournament here.
They’ve done a great job and this gave us the confidence to invest in the event,’’ he says.
Poole notes that in the last month Hockey New Zealand has undertaken an event and economic impact feasibility study,
gained knowledge from previous hockey host nations, and worked with the NZEEC to develop the event plan.
An event taskforce has been established with ex Hockey New Zealand chief executive Ramesh Patel managing the project
over the next three months with the support of the NZEEC. Sue Brewster will chair the Hockey New Zealand Board
Committee.
In world ranking order, the teams competing include Australia, Netherlands, Germany, England, Spain, Korea, New
Zealand and Pakistan. There will be 24 matches, with each team participating in six games.
The event will be hosted at North Harbour Hockey Stadium which can comfortably host 5,000 spectators, the teams, event
officials, VIPs, media and volunteers. North Harbour hosted the FIH 2008 Olympic Qualification Tournament.
Key Event Facts
- 3-11 December, North Harbour Hockey Stadium, Rosedale Park South.
- Competing teams in world ranking order: Australia, Netherlands, Germany, England, Spain, Korea, New Zealand
and Pakistan.
- New Zealand earns a place to compete as host nation and will no longer compete at the 2011 Champions
Challenge in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December.
- It is the last major event for men on the international hockey calendar before the 2012 London Olympic Games.
- The Black Sticks placed 6th at the 2010 FIH Champions Trophy (Monchengladbach, Germany).
- At the 2009 FIH Champions Trophy in Melbourne, there was a cumulative television audience of 38 million people.
Sue Brewster - Chair, Hockey New Zealand Board Committee
Sue Brewster has been a member of the Hockey New Zealand Board since 2008. Sue is currently chief executive of the
not-for-profit organisation Sweet Louise. Brewster’s background includes 12 years at TVNZ as General Manager of
Marketing.
Ramesh Patel - Project Manager
Ramesh Patel was Hockey New Zealand chief executive from 1989 to 2009 and was hockey director from 2009 to 2010.
Patel is currently one of three patrons of the Hockey Foundation. Patel was in the 1976 Montreal Olympics gold medal
winning team. He currently sits on the FIH Rules Committee.
Owen Glenn - Naming Rights Sponsor
Owen Glenn is the founder, owner and executive chairman of OTS Logistics Group - a billion dollar revenue company with
offices in 105 countries. Through the Glenn Family Foundation he has supported hundreds of humanitarian causes
throughout the world. The Foundation’s philosophy is focused on the importance of education, health, helping oneself and
family as the foundation of a community. Glenn has fond memories of his playing days for the Albertians Hockey Club in
Auckland and continues to be an avid supporter of the game. Glenn is the Founding Patron of the Hockey Foundation.
For more information contact:
Julia King
027 291 2873
Communications Manager
Hockey New Zealand
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