Mallard: Rowing/Banklink sponsorship launch

Rowing NZ Headquarters, Lake Karapiro

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It is my pleasure to be here today at Rowing New Zealand's headquarters to congratulate both Rowing and BankLink on creating a partnership that offers huge positives for both business and sport.

In becoming Rowing New Zealand's principal sponsor, BankLink will partner a sport that has a proven track record of high performance and an important place in New Zealand's sporting history.

Rowing's history at the Olympic and Commonwealth Games and World Championships is one of consistent achievement - 11 Olympic Games medals, five of them gold, 29 World Championship medals and 24 Commonwealth Games medals.

And who could forget the most recent highlight - those magical 45 minutes at the 2005 Rowing World Championships in Japan where 4 New Zealand crews rowed to gold, one after the other.

For its part, Rowing New Zealand will be partnering a business that has also achieved high levels of success in its field.

BankLink has grown to be a substantial player in both the New Zealand and Australian accounting sector. It is now used by 800, or 80 percent, of accounting practices in New Zealand.

In the process, BankLink makes a sizeable contribution to the New Zealand economy.

This is an exciting example of how sport and business can work together.
The joint interests of business and sport can be realised through partnerships such as this - mutual benefits are created as each partner strives to be the best in their respective competitive environments.

BankLink's support of Rowing New Zealand comes after the announcement of a 4-year $5.5 million investment package in rowing from Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC). It reflects the increased confidence in Rowing New Zealand's all round performance both on and off the water.

While this relationship is a story about the merging of business and sport, it is built on more than just money. At the heart of the partnership are complementary values and characteristics that drive each organisation to their absolute best.

Both are recognised as pioneers in their field, with a wealth of drive to succeed

Both reflect the best of Kiwi ingenuity in finding winning and lasting solutions.

Both have proven track records and have overcome significant challenges on their way to achieving success.

Both are renowned for their dedication to absolute excellence.

These common factors will make the relationship strong and enduring.

I wish Rowing New Zealand and Banklink every success as the partnership develops. I congratulate those who have worked hard to make this partnership happen and look forward to seeing the fruits of your labour.

I now invite Malcolm McDonald and Derek Jones, Directors of BankLink and Craig Ross, Chief Executive of Rowing New Zealand to come forward and make this partnership official by signing the sponsorship agreement.

ENDS

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