Hockey: NZ back in the black

Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) has turned around its financial position to post a $56,620 surplus. Photo / Getty Images

Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) has turned around its financial position to post a $56,620 surplus for 2010.

The result is a big turnaround for the organisation which last year posted a $234,400 loss for the six months to December 2009.

"It has been a big year for hockey in New Zealand and as we reflect back it is pleasing to see the results speak for themselves," said HNZ chief executive Hilary Poole.

Total income was at $4,611,257, with the vast bulk of expenditure eaten up by the high performance programme, including the Blacks Sticks men and women, which cost $2,289,232.

Poole said the programme enjoyed a good year with both Black Sticks teams bringing home medals from the 2010 Commonwealth Games and climbing to seventh in the world rankings.

At a gala dinner in Auckland last night former HNZ chief executive Ramesh Patel was recognised for his service to the organisation.

He was the inaugural recipient of the Noelene Stafford Award and while Hockey Southland chairwoman Penny Simmonds received the Pakistan Trophy for regional administration.

- NZPA