North Harbour Hockey Associat North Harbour Hockey Association

North Harbour Hockey Associat ion Inc P O Box 302139, North Harbour North Harbour Hockey Stadium, 60 Paul Matthews Drive, Albany Phone (09) 415-7396, Fax (09) 415-7403 Email: [email protected] Website: www.harbourhockey.org.nz

Media Release 7 th December 2010

PAST BLACK STICK PLAYERS ADD TO THE CELEBRITY HOCKEY EVENT

North Harbour Hockey has confirmed that the 2010 Celebrity Hockey Match will take place on Friday December 10 th at North Harbour Hockey Stadium. And this week it was also confirmed that a half field, 6 on 6, exhibition style curtain raiser will take place between ‘Past’ Black Sticks and ‘Current’ Black Sticks. Bevan Hari who played over 200 tests for NZ between 1997 – 2008 has confirmed he will take part in the match. ‘I accepted the invite to participate in the match as soon as I was asked, it will be great to catch up with past team mates and take on the youth of today. I’ll have to see how the legs hold up though, I don’t think I’ll be as fast as I used to be” said Hari.

All proceeds from the event will go to Canterbury Hockey to help restore both their 2 water based playing fields and their Canterbury Hockey offices. The facilities were damaged by the earthquake which took place in the early hours of September 4 th to the extent where they have temporarily relocated their offices.

This week also confirmed some additions to the celebrity list with Commonwealth Games silver medalist Daniel Bell (swimming), NZ AFL captain Andrew Crighton , and former C4 and Prime TV host Clarke Gayford all added to the start list for the celebrity match.

Canterbury Black Sticks and 2010 Commonwealth Games Medallists Dean Cousins , Andy Haywood and Nick Haig have also been confirmed to take part in the match. Dean Cousins (Black Sticks Vice Captain) says “it’s a great cause, and will be a fantastic event to be involved in. I have spent many of my hockey days at Canterbury Hockey and it has been a huge set back for the growth of hockey in the region, but it’s great to get support from another association”. Other Black Stick players confirmed are 2010 Commonwealth Games Silver Medallists Natasha Fitzsimons , Stacey Michelsen, Charlotte Harrison and Samantha Harrison while 2010 Commonwealth Games Bronze medallist Steve Edwards will also take part in the match.

We are pleased to acknowledge assistance provided by North Harbour Hockey Associat ion Inc P O Box 302139, North Harbour North Harbour Hockey Stadium, 60 Paul Matthews Drive, Albany Phone (09) 415-7396, Fax (09) 415-7403 Email: [email protected] Website: www.harbourhockey.org.nz

Celebrities from both the New Zealand sporting and media scene will be brought together on the hockey field for the night with World Champion rowers Eric Murray , Hamish Bond , Rebecca Scown and Emma Twigg , Warriors league star Kevin Locke , Former All Black Eric Rush , Olympic long jumper Chantal Brunner , 2010 Commonwealth Games medallists Ritchie Patterson (weightlifting) and Hayley Palmer (Swimming), Former professional golfer Marnie McGuire , Media personality Chang Hung from The Edge radio station, Radio Sport hosts Miles Davis , Wendy Meyer and Darcy Waldegrave along with singer Hollie Smith all amongst the list likely to take part on December 10 th .

North Harbour Hockey can now also confirm that North Harbour Gymnastics will also put on a display throughout the night, as will a Kapa Haka group. There will also be a obstacle course set up at half time for schools to take up the challenge. 2 private charitable trusts have put up $3000 in prize money for the school’s to spend on a capital or educational project at their school.

A large crowd is expected to enjoy the event which will include music, prizes, competitions, lolly scrambles, bar, DJ, after party and auction. Santa Claus is also expected to make an appearance.

Entry to the event will be free, however all proceeds through donations and auction will go to Canterbury Hockey in support of their earthquake relief.

Kris Mathiesen North Harbour Hockey Chief Executive Officer says,

“It’s a great initiative to promote the facilities in the North Shore precinct, particularly to the wider community.”

North Harbour Hockey currently has 4 artificial based player surfaces, pavilion and offices all centrally located in Albany.

“It will be an honor to host some of the countries top sporting stars and representatives from around the media. It will also give us some pride to support our association colleagues from Canterbury” says Mathiesen.

Media are welcome to attend.

A VIP area will be set up. Please contact Dave Kosoof to arrange access to restricted areas.

Confirmed Celebrity Hockey Match:

Chang Hung The Edge Radio Station Eric Murray World Champion and Olympic Rower Kevin Locke Warriors League player Richie Patterson Olympic and Comm Games Silver medallist weightlifter Hayley Palmer Olympic and Comm Games medallist swimmer Marnie McGuire Former professional golfer Eric Rush Former All Black Daniel Bell Olympic and Comm Games medallist swimmer Clarke Gayford Former C4 and Prime TV host Andrew Crighton NZ AFL Captain Chantal Brunner Olympic long jumper Rebecca Scown World Champion rower Emma Twigg World Cup Bronze medallist and Olympic rower Miles Davis Radio Sport host Darcy Waldegrave Radio Sport host Wendy Meyer Radio Sport host Hollie Smith Singer Luuka Jones Olympic Kayaker

Natasha Fitzsimons NZ Black Stick Womens Stacey Michelson NZ Black Stick Womens Charlotte Harrison NZ Black Stick Womens Sam Harrison NZ Black Stick Womens Steve Edwards NZ Black Stick Mens Dean Cousins NZ Black Stick Mens Nick Haig NZ Black Stick Mens Andy Haywood NZ Black Stick Mens

Confirmed Programme:

6:30pm ‘Current’ Black Sticks vs ‘Past’ Black Sticks 7:15pm ‘Harbour Fusion’ North Harbour Gymnastics Display Group 7:30pm CELEBRITY HOCKEY MATCH 7:50pm Interval 1 - Schools Obstacle Challenge 8:30pm Interval 2 – Kapa Haka performance and Harbour Fusion Display 9:30pm Auctions 10:00pm DJ

North Harbour Celebrity Hockey Match Friday December 10 th 2010 Starts 6:30pm North Harbour Hockey Stadium 60 Paul Matthews Road Albany, Auckland.

Please contact Dave Kosoof North Harbour Hockey 021 2487276 [email protected]

www.harbourhockey.org.nz

We are pleased to acknowledge assistance provided by