Five Major Cricket Associations (Auckland, Central Districts, Wellington, Canterbury, and Otago) are proud to announce a new national partnership with QBE Insurance  in New Zealand, marking a first-of-its-kind collaboration that unites regional cricket under one nationwide initiative.

This partnership brings QBE’s long-standing commitment to supporting grassroots sport to New Zealand, reinforcing a shared dedication to inclusion, diversity, and community engagement.

Through this partnership, QBE will champion the areas that matter most to the future of the game: 

• Volunteers – recognising and celebrating the people who make cricket possible. 

• Junior Cricket – helping young players develop skills and confidence. 

• Girls’ Cricket – creating pathways and opportunities for female athletes to thrive. 
   

“This partnership brings together a shared belief in the power of sport to positively shape the lives of children and young people, and to strengthen the communities around them", said Richard Brewer, CEO, Canterbury Cricket, speaking on behalf of five Major Associations.

"With QBE’s support, we can better recognise and celebrate the volunteers who are at the heart of cricket, while continuing to create more opportunities for young people to engage with and enjoy the game.

"Working alongside QBE, we are focused on building inclusive, community-led pathways that ensure cricket remains accessible, welcoming, and impactful for generations to come.”

The initiative mirrors QBE’s long-standing successful partnerships in Australia, where the company has proudly supported the AFL team, Sydney Swans for nearly 40 years, making it one of the longest-standing sponsorships in Australasian sport, and 18 years with the Netball NSW Swifts.

“We’re proud to support grassroots cricket and help foster an inclusive environment that encourages participation and growth,” said Jonathan Groves, CEO & Managing Director, QBE Pacific. “This partnership demonstrates QBE’s commitment to being at the heart of communities across New Zealand and supporting the next generation of cricketers.”

Groves added, “Supporting communities and helping businesses thrive is at the heart of what we do. This partnership is a natural extension of that purpose, and one we’re deeply passionate about. We are proud to support the people and programmes that strengthen local communities, and cricket plays a significant role in that across New Zealand.

By working with the Major Associations, we’re helping grow junior participation, recognise volunteers, and expand opportunities for girls so the game remains strong, inclusive, and reflective of communities for the future.”

Part of the partnership specific to Auckland Cricket Association involves QBE being awarded naming rights to Auckland Senior Women's competitions: Premier Women, Premier Reserve Women and Premier Women Development.

The sponsorship kicked off this summer, with activities beginning earlier this month and continuing over the next three years to strengthen community engagement and encourage greater inclusivity. 

About QBE  

QBE  sell a complete suite of business insurance solutions through a network of brokers and advisers around the Pacific. For over 125 years, QBE has been at the heart of supporting  businesses with global strength and local expertise. We stand beside the people and industries that keep the Pacific moving — whether it’s small businesses, large corporates or critical infrastructure.

But at the heart of it all are people. Behind every policy, there’s a person, a dream, a future to protect. And when it matters most, our customers know they can count on more than just policies or claims — they can count on people who genuinely support them. That’s the QBE difference — innovative solutions, real support, delivered with heart.  

This content is brought to you by QBE Insurance (Australia) Limited, (QBE) as a convenience to readers and is not intended to constitute advice (professional or otherwise). For advice, please see your financial advisor. Coverage is always subject to the Terms and Conditions of the policy including any extension. For full details of cover, please refer to a copy of the policy wording. 

Article added: Thursday 29 January 2026