North Harbour and QBE commitment to NZ Rugby community holds strong amid pandemic uncertainty

North Harbour Rugby (North Harbour) and QBE New Zealand (QBE) have confirmed their partnership and commitment to the rugby community will continue, despite cancellations and uncertainty across the sport as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Provincial Unions including North Harbour this week announced the cancellation of all 2020 provincial representative rugby tournaments below the Mitre 10 Cup and Farah Palmer Cup in response to the global crisis.

North Harbour Rugby Chief Executive, David Gibson said the Union was grateful for Principal Partner QBE’s backing, and North Harbour remained focused on its community.

“All New Zealanders are navigating this storm as best as they can, and it’s been hard on our people, our partners and the community. QBE immediately reached out to tell us we’re right behind you after the lock down call was made.

“Knowing QBE are standing beside us allows us to stay focused on our purpose, which is all about improving the lives of people in our community through rugby, and safeguarding Rugby in our Province.

“We’re working on ways to do that and engage with our community leaders, players and valued supporters while we’re in lock down.”

QBE NZ Pacific CEO, Declan Moore said QBE was proud to support North Harbour and the rugby community.

“North Harbour and NZR sits at the heart of communities across the nation. We know how important North Harbour and rugby more broadly is to our community – particularly at the grass roots level. It’s the reason we have stood behind our partners for 17 years and it’s the reason why we’re standing behind them today.

“At QBE our focus remains on supporting our people, customers and partners through these tough times.”

In 2019 North Harbour Rugby had over 10,000 registered players, including 7875 Junior & Primary School Players, supported by 692 community coaches.

A decision around whether the Mitre 10 Cup or Farah Palmer Cup will proceed as planned has not been made. 

For further information please contact:

Emma Kerswell
External Communications Specialist
QBE Australia Pacific
Phone: +61 411 794 206
Email: emma.kerswell@qbe.com