Export Gold Joins Forces with Surfing New Zealand

Kiwi beer brand Export Gold has today (Thursday 29th October 2009) announced its sponsorship of Surfing New Zealand Inc after signing a two year contract with the national sporting organisation.

The news comes at a perfect time for Surfing New Zealand as the organisation prepares for the biggest schedule of summer events and activities in the organisation's history.

Export Gold will partner with Surfing New Zealand and will be the naming rights sponsor for the Export Gold Series - a five-event series that sees the top surfers in New Zealand visit the best surf locations in the country.

The Export Gold Series will see events held at Gisborne, Whangamata, Raglan and Piha, boasting a total prize purse in excess of $40,000. The Export Gold Series culminates in the prestigious Export Gold Super 16 which will be contested by 16 of New Zealand's elite surfers. To qualify for the event, surfers must gain enough ratings points from the first four events to secure their invitation.

New Zealand's highest rated surfer on the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Qualifying Series (WQS), Bobby Hansen (Gisborne) is looking forward to the Export Gold Series - especially given it starts in his backyard breaks at Gisborne in just over two weeks time.

"Yeah I am definitely looking forward to competing at home over summer," commented an upbeat Hansen. "I really enjoy being at home, competing in good fun waves along with my mates and all the top surfers in New Zealand," added Hansen on the impending summer of action. Hansen was also very quick to highlight the importance of a significant brand such as Export Gold backing surfing in New Zealand after being told of the news today. "It is really good to have an iconic Kiwi brand in behind surfing. This kind of support helps the sport reach the masses and gets surfing into the media. The increased publicity surfing receives is good for everyone involved in the sport."

Surfing New Zealand executive officer, Greg Townsend, can't wait to see the Export Gold Series spring to life in the coming weeks.

"The five events that make up the Export Gold Series here in New Zealand are brilliant for the domestic based surfers. The events are professionally staged and excellent prize money can be won," said Townsend. "The inclusion of Export Gold as the naming rights sponsor to the Export Gold Series will lift these events further. This type of series would not be possible without the support of Export Gold and we are very excited about the new partnership".

Export marketing manager Jonathan Goldwater is looking forward to getting in behind surfing.

"Surfing is a perfect fit for Export Gold. Making the most out of life, energy and enjoyment are values we share with Surfing New Zealand. Export Gold is committed to creating the atmosphere at these events and will be getting the party started for competitors and spectators after some great days out on the water."

The new partnership will have a major impact on the sport of surfing in this country well beyond the Export Gold Series. The major investment by Export Gold will allow Surfing New Zealand to continue to work through the four-year strategic plan recently developed in conjunction with SPARC.

"The professional platform is in place and this long term agreement is another positive step forward for the organisation," commented Townsend.
 

The five events that make up the 2009/10 Export Gold Series

Event 1: 7 - 8 November O'Neill Sequence Surf Shop Pro, Gisborne
Event 2: 30 January - 1 February, Billabong Pro, Whangamata
Event 3: 26 - 28 February, Rip Curl Pro, Raglan
Event 4: 1 - 5 April, Hyundai National Surfing Championships, Gisborne
Event 5: 23 - 24 April, Export Gold 16 / Interclub Championships / North Island South Island Challenge, Piha Beach

The Export Gold Series includes three divisions - Open Men's, Open Women's and Under 20 Men.