New Zealand Provincial Union Group welcomes Spark as official national partner and telecommunications provider

The New Zaland Provincial Union Group (NZPU), comprising the country’s fourteen major Provincial Rugby Unions, has penned a new deal with Spark as an official national partner and as a provider of telecommunications and IT services.

This partnership which extends through to 2028, will have Spark’s nationwide business hubs support local rugby union communities by providing IT services, expertise and mobile and broadband connectivity, improving operational efficiency with streamlined communication and enhanced data management.

In addition, as part of its in-game promotional airtime, Spark intends to showcase local small business leaders who are making an impact in their community, whether that’s local healthcare, trade and construction, or professional services providers.

Spark Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Lead, Sam Thumath says: “This partnership reflects the power of local. Across Aotearoa, rugby union is woven into the fabric of our communities – and just as deeply rooted are the small and medium businesses that drive our local economies.

“With a shared commitment to community, we’re proud to join the NZPU Group as an official national partner and telecommunications provider, helping to power the National Provincial Championship and Farah Palmer Cup competitions in the regions.

“Through our network of business hubs across the country, we’re thrilled to bring localised digital and IT expertise to the partnership – while also getting our business customers closer to the action with player meet-and-greet opportunities. We’re equally excited to explore how we can unlock further technology benefits at the grassroots level, such as supporting Provincial Rugby Unions with secure public WiFi at clubrooms and other community spaces.”

From the rugby side, the NZPU Group’s primary focus remains clearly aimed at enabling more New Zealanders to play, watch, celebrate, and belong to the game of rugby – no matter where they live.

“All of our member Provincial Unions are community-based,” says Jay Campbell, CEO of Hawke’s Bay Rugby and spokesperson for the NZPU Group. “We’re incredibly proud to partner with Spark, who truly understand the unique position that provincial rugby holds in New Zealand communities.”

Article added: Friday 08 August 2025