A change in management has provoked a strong response from first-time sponsors keen to back January's Port of Tauranga Half Ironman.
Owners Sport Bay of Plenty have enlisted Ironman NZ event director Jane Patterson to revamp the annual triathlon, set for Mount Maunganui on January 9.
Longtime supporter, Port of Tauranga, recently
confirmed its continued involvement as the event's naming sponsor.
Patterson this week confirmed three new sponsors for the event. International sports giant Nike has come on board as the run leg sponsor and will also supply every competitor, including all team members, and volunteers with a Nike Dri-Fit top.
"To have a sponsor of the calibre of Nike is an indication of the regard this event is held in the sporting community," Patterson said.
"Nike is not a traditional sponsor of triathlon, although they have been involved with us at Ironman New Zealand and have shown the same faith to now become involved in the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman."
Frucor Beverages are the new bike leg sponsor through their Mizone brand and Aunt Bettys Creamy Rice are the new transition sponsor.
"Mizone sees a perfect fit with the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman and its brand and is also a strong supporter of Olympic silver medallist Bevan Docherty.
"Aunt Bettys first got into sponsorship through triathlon and it's been a successful vehicle for them."
Carboshotz will again be the nutrition sponsor with the support of Turners & Growers with the Bonita Bananas brand, while New Zealand-owned international Ironman Wetsuits is the official wetsuit sponsor.
Avanti has also come on board as the official bike sponsor. The event has also received support from leading United States Ironman owner Graham Fraser, who owns all five North American-based Ironman events.
He is providing a complementary entry for any of his ironman races as a lucky draw for all competitors who enter before December 1.
"All of the US events sell out very quickly, so this is a superb prize. It includes the likes of Ironman Canada, one of the oldest races outside of New Zealand, and also Lake Placid, the official US Ironman Championships."
Online entries are now open on the website www.halfironman.co.nz and entry forms will appear in sports shops and sponsors outlets next month.
