Steps to ensure competitiveness of Central Pulse

NNZ Media Statement - 6 November 2008

Netball New Zealand today confirmed additional steps were being taken to ensure the competitiveness of the Central Pulse in the 2009 ANZ Championship season.

The Central Pulse franchise is facing financial challenges due to the loss of a major sponsor and the difficulty of securing a new sponsor in the current economic climate.

The Central Pulse Board approached Netball New Zealand to voice their concerns and to seek NNZ’s assistance.

Central Pulse Board Chair Nigel Kirkpatrick said they very appreciative of NNZ’s support.

“The franchise recognised that in these challenging financial times we needed to ask NNZ for help as we could not guarantee our full financial position for the 2009 season. I can confirm the team will comprise a mix of experience including Silver Fern Paula Griffin and Jamaican international Althea Byfield in addition to some exciting young up and coming talent many of whom have been developed within the central region,” he said.

NNZ Chief Executive Raelene Castle said “NNZ is committed to ensuring 5 competitive teams from New Zealand in the ANZ Championship and we are certain that the support from NNZ will ensure the Pulse has the best chance of being competitive in the 2009 season”.

The Central Pulse playing roster will be finalised and announced within 20 working days as agreed with ANZ Championship management.

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