From Vodafone Warriors to One New Zealand Warriors
The Vodafone Warriors will be renamed the One New Zealand Warriors on November 1 to align with the start of the 2023 NRL season.
After 24 seasons as naming rights sponsor (and 25 years as Vodafone NZ), the company will be known as One New Zealand from early 2023 representing a shift in mindset and approach to better represent the future of Aotearoa.
Vodafone NZ's experience and commercial manager Joe Goddard is stoked to bring a new, Aotearoa-focused purpose to the long-standing partnership with the club and says it won’t change the relationship.
“If anything, this reinforces our commitment to the Warriors," he said.
"We see this as an opportunity to help reinvigorate the team after the challenge border restrictions presented over the last few seasons.
"There is a lot of fresh energy that comes with a name change and we see that energy as something the players can tap into heading into the 2023 season. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: 'This is our year'.”
One New Zealand represents a renewed commitment to Aotearoa that parallels the Warriors' representation of the country with the new One New Zealand brand 100 per cent focused on New Zealand compared with the global Vodafone.
One New Zealand reflects deep connections and legacy within the country, as well as an ambitious future for Aotearoa.
The Warriors share that ambition and drive for the future, both through their magic on the field and work within their community. The Warriors and One New Zealand both exist as one team representing one nation.
Warriors CEO Cameron George said the club is excited to see the sponsorship undergo a major refresh.
“The partnership between Vodafone and the Warriors is an enduring one, spanning 24 years, starting before some of our players were even born," he said.
"We view this shift in the brand and what it stands for as one which will enhance our mana and better represent who the Warriors are.
"We’re excited to tackle the future with One New Zealand by our side, with big ambitions on and off the field.”
About Vodafone New Zealand:
Vodafone New Zealand is one of Aotearoa’s leading connectivity companies offering a range of broadband, mobile and technology products. It is focused on creating a better future for Aotearoa New Zealand through remarkable technology solutions that simplify lives and businesses, operating New Zealand’s first and one of its leading 5G networks. Vodafone NZ maintains almost three million connections with consumer, business, public sector and wholesale customers via Vodafone and Farmside, New Zealand’s rural broadband specialist. It is proud to help other Kiwi businesses to thrive by partnering with world-leading brands to offer best-in-class ICT services. Vodafone New Zealand is owned by Infratil and Brookfield Asset Management and is partner market in the Vodafone Group, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies. For more information, please visit www.vodafone.co.nz
