QBE New Zealand (QBE) have announced an agreement with North Harbour Rugby to continue as its principal partner until at least 2021, a move that will see the sponsorship prevail as one of the longest in New Zealand Provincial Rugby.

The renewal of the sponsorship agreement between the global insurer and North Harbour Rugby, established in 2003, will see the partnership reach an astonishing 18-years. 

General manager of QBE’s New Zealand operations, Bill Donovan, said QBE is delighted to continue as principal sponsor and credited shared values and excellent service delivery for the enduring partnership.

“We are proud to be part of one of the longest-standing sponsorship in New Zealand Provincial Rugby and its longevity is testament to its strength.

"Shared core values of teamwork, commitment, tenacity, leadership, and diversity are what drives our partnership and have seen us share so much success over the last fifteen years.

“Our partnership has seen us support Harbour at the elite level – but also, importantly, at the grassroots level.

 “North Harbour Rugby not only includes the men’s and women’s elite teams but also encompasses a geographical area that includes twelve rugby clubs from the region as well as 18 secondary schools, with close to 100 teams taking part in school rugby competitions,” Donovan said.

“This involvement at a grass roots level is one of the reasons QBE is so proud of our long association with Harbour and we look forward to helping more rugby players – from under six’s to the national representatives – pursue their dreams on the field.”

North Harbour Rugby general manager, David Gibson, said the Union is thrilled the partnership will continue and thanked QBE for its continued energy and support.

“With QBE’s support, we continue to work hard with our clubs and schools to improve the lives of people through rugby.  

“The province now has 9900 registered players, including over 2000 female players, supported by 660 community coaches – we could not have achieved all this without our long-standing partnership with QBE.”

“On behalf or all of us at Harbour, thank you QBE for your continued loyalty and support, we look forward to achieving even more success together as our partnership continues.”