We are very proud to have supported the central netball team, Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse, for twelve seasons, most recently in the 2020 and 2021 seasons alongside one of our newest brands, Haval. We’ve been there for the ups and downs (a lot of ups!) and were thrilled when the Pulse carried off the winners’ trophy for the first time in the 2019 ANZ Premiership. Then in August 2020 after a punishing game against the Good Oil Tactix in Invercargill, they won the 2020 ANZ Premiership, giving them back to back titles.
And we’re thrilled to be with them again in 2021 as they go for the three-peat! See below for some highlights of the Pulse’s journey over the years.
The winning 2020 game marked the end of Yvette McCausland-Durie’s coaching reign. Two ANZ Premierships and three finals in four years speak for themselves. We wish her all the best for the future, and if you want to hear more from Yvette click here.
The team had a stellar 2019 season with an exciting final match against the Northern Stars, played at Te Rauparaha Arena on Queen’s Birthday Weekend.
In 2018 we were thrilled by the Pulse making the grand final of the ANZ Premiership. The team played exceptionally well winning the Minor Premiership. Unfortunately they couldn’t get across the line in the ANZ Premiership final but they finished the season in style with a hard-fought win over the Tactix to claim 2018’s Super Club title.
Katrina Grant, Pulse captain, was named ANZ Premiership Player of the Year which is a reflection of the her consistently high performance, and we were excited to learn that after a successful first season together Katrina and Sulu Fitzpatrick were set to team up in defence in 2019.
Matt Foot presenting the Players Player Award 2018 to Katrina Grant at the Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse Awards Dinner 2018.
As part of our support, we supply the players and management with a fleet of brand new Suzuki cars each season to help them get around. Keep an eye out around town for the black and yellow!
One of the Suzuki vehicles signwritten and ready for the Pulse in 2018.
Fleet of Suzuki Swifts ready for the Pulse team in 2017
Phoenix Karaka, Central Pulse player, with the Sign-a-Swift in 2016.
In previous years we have also run Car Maintenance 101 evenings with players from the Pulse team, and invited Pulse members to learn a few key things about their car and ensuring it is running efficiently.
Pulse players with our technicians and service managers at the Car Maintenance 101 evening in 2015.