The partnership between rugby league’s national sports team, the NZ Kiwis, and international fluid transfer products and services provider, Pirtek has been a positive and successful one for both. Since joining forces with the Kiwis prior to their first Rugby League World Cup win in 2008, Pirtek has expanded its business, opening new franchises in New Zealand and overseas.

At the same time, the Kiwis have turned their wins in key finals (2005 Tri Nations, 2008 RLWC, 2010 Four Nations) into an unbeaten run through the 2014 Four Nations tournament, backing it up with a win, their third in a row against Australia, in an historic rain-delayed test match in Brisbane in May.

NZRL CEO Phil Holden says of the sponsorship, “The Pirtek name has become synonymous with rugby league and the Kiwis. We have a very close relationship that benefits both parties. We are fortunate to have such a supportive sponsor family and Pirtek is an integral member of the group.

“With the tour to the UK later this year, the Pirtek name on the Kiwis jersey is a store window for Pirtek, as they look to cement their place further in the international market.”

The Pirtek business which was founded by a New Zealander has been successfully implemented in Australia, New Zealand, China, Singapore, South Africa, USA, France, Netherlands, Germany, the United Kingdom, Mongolia and Canada.

One of the key features of the partnership is the fantastic grassroots support provided by Pirtek and their franchisee network around the country. They have contributed to a number of grassroots development initiatives, provided scholarships to allow players to attend elite development programmes and funded the Volunteer Recognition programme.

The programme acknowledges volunteers each month culminating in two major presentations at the NZRL Annual Awards. Fans of the game also receive a number of other benefits as a result of the Pirtek sponsorship, including ticket and jersey giveaways through the Pirtek Facebook page.

Pirtek New Zealand GM Chris Bourke says of the partnership “Since becoming principal sponsors of the NZ Kiwis and NZRL we have taken great pleasure in seeing them become leaders on the field.

“We have huge respect for their approach and share many of the same core values. Their commitment to delivering on these values (integrity, respect, leadership, courage and passion) is very important to us.

“As a business, we take great pride in striving to be leaders in our field, and this partnership offers Pirtek, our franchisee network and our customers a range of opportunities to do so.

“Whether we’re rewarding loyal customers by offering them money-can’t-buy opportunities in partnership with the Kiwis, or recognising the commitment to excellence by our franchisees with similar, the partnership is a win-win.

“The communities we operate in are important to us and we are able to demonstrate this is a variety of ways through our partnership with rugby league, and we hope they will in turn choose Pirtek when they can.”
As part of this relationship, Pirtek and the NZ Kiwis will be sharing a range of positive leadership messages through a marketing campaign that will coincide with the Kiwis tour of the UK.

Show your support for the Kiwis, as they take on England in a best-of-three test series, visit www. facebook.com/NZKiwis. For more information about Pirtek and the Kiwis visit nzrl.co.nz/Pirtek.