Hockey NZ is thrilled to announce the availability of comprehensive broadcast coverage of both the upcoming women’s and men’s under-18 tournaments, providing audiences the opportunity to watch the action from Napier and Christchurch, both live and on-demand via hockeynz.tv. 

The Vantage National U18 tournaments see 22 women’s and 22 men’s provincial teams keenly vying for glory and have their team’s name etched forever on the silverware. The Canterbury women’s and North Harbour men’s teams will be striving to extend age group hockey dynasties, having been crowned U18 champions in the past two and three seasons respectively. 

With AI cameras installed on both pitches at each tournament’s main venue, viewers will have access to watch the action from 71 women’s and 71 men’s matches, making these the most covered New Zealand domestic tournaments in hockey’s history. 

Match vision and audio will be provided by Sportway NZ, an AI-automated sports video, data production and media rights acquisition company, which has partnered with Hockey NZ to expand the provision of live-streamed domestic matches on the hockeynz.tv platform. 

Hockey NZ CEO Anthony Crummy hails this tournament offering as a substantial stride forward in the sport’s game plan to ensure that more Kiwi’s see, experience and love hockey. 

“We are thrilled to partner with Sportway to provide extensive coverage of our under-18 tournaments. The development and growth of engaging content on hockeynz.tv is enabling hockey to open and amplify our game, boosting awareness and connection within the hockey community and to new audiences. We look forward to working with Sportway over the next year to significantly expand the number of club and national hockey matches broadcasted.” 

“Putting this in context, we are keenly aware not just of the skills and determination of the competing under-18 athletes, but also of the significant support that their families and communities have provided in their preparation and fundraising, so it’s great that these vital supporters back home have the opportunity to see and support their young star’s performances.”

“This is exciting technology and something we know people have been wanting to enjoy tournament hockey live or on demand. When they can’t be there in person, this is the next best thing.” 

Mike Craig, CEO Sportway NZ says the AI technology is a significant leap forward in sports broadcasting innovation. 

“We are excited by the opportunity to align with and enable Hockey NZ’s vision to broadly adopt AI sports broadcast technology through the hockeynz.tv platform and deliver an exceptional fan experience and an ultimate destination for hockey enthusiasts. As a sport with few pitches relative to other sports that are each highly utilised, our technology has to potential to enable coverage of a large proportion of all school and senior hockey across New Zealand.” 

Key details:

• Vantage National Women’s U18 Tournament, Ngā Puna Wai, Christchurch, 7-13 July [U18 Women’s Competition draw]
• Vantage National Men’s U18 Tournament, Island Park, Napier, 7-13 July [U18 Men’s Competition draw]
• Subscription offer for each tournament:
  • $10 Tournament Pass
  • $5 Match Pass 

Don't miss a minute of the action, get your Vantage National Under 18's Event Passes here.

Subscriber packages will be announced for 2024 Federation Cup, 2024 Rankin Cup and the 2024 Ford National Hockey Championship. 

For general enquiries, please contact: 

support@hockeynz.co.nz