One NZ is now a Premium Partner of the New Zealand Team, in one of the country's most significant sports partnerships in recent years.
The partnership was revealed to One NZ employees when New Zealand Team legends Hamish Carter, Nigel Avery, Emma Twigg and Eric Murray surprised staff at the company's national Legends conference.
One NZ Chief Executive, Jason Paris, said what excites them most about this partnership is the opportunity to celebrate the work that athletes put in before they compete.
“Everyone sees the podium, but very few see the years of preparation, resilience and teamwork that make those moments possible. We see those same qualities in our own people every day as they work behind the scenes to keep New Zealand connected,” said Paris.
“We not only want our teams to learn from some of New Zealand’s greatest athletes and coaches about what it takes to perform at the highest level, but also give New Zealanders a better understanding of the people and effort behind the One NZ services they rely on every day,” he said.
“High performance is something both One NZ and the New Zealand Team strive for every day. Whether we're delivering world-class connection or supporting athletes to perform on the world's biggest stage, we're driven by the same ambition: connecting Kiwi to the moments that bring us together,” said Paris.
New Zealand Olympic Committee CEO, Nicki Nicol, said One NZ will play an important role in strengthening the connection between the New Zealand Team and the people cheering them on.
"Behind every Olympian is an incredible team. Today that team becomes even stronger as we welcome One NZ. This partnership is about helping New Zealanders feel even closer to the New Zealand Team and sits naturally alongside our commitment to inspiring pride and excellence in all New Zealanders,” said Nicol.
The partnership kicks off before the upcoming Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place from July 23 to August 2, 2026 – with excitement already building for the LA28 Olympic Summer Games, scheduled to take place from July 14 to 30, 2028.
Tokyo 2020 gold medalist, Emma Twigg, said she is looking forward to the partnership coming to life.
"Performing at your best happens when all the pieces of the puzzle come together at the right moment, and connection is at the heart of that. Whether it’s staying close to the people who matter most or feeling support from home, those connections fuel world-class performances. I can’t think of a better partnership to support this," said Twigg.
Athens 2004 gold medalist, Hamish Carter, said an athlete's support network is crucial to achievement.
“Standing on the podium in Athens was a proud moment, but it reflected the work of an entire team behind me. Behind every New Zealand Team is a support network helping them chase their goals. That's why partnerships like this are so important. One NZ is helping strengthen that network on the road to LA28,” said Carter.
The partnership will support the New Zealand Team while creating new opportunities for New Zealanders to connect with the athletes, their stories and their performances on the world stage.
