Cadbury has extended its support for netball in New Zealand having been named as the Principal Partner for next week’s FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch.

The long-time supporter of the sport and its volunteers in New Zealand has confirmed its backing of the two-day global tournament at Christchurch Arena on 5-6 November.

Tournament director Kate Agnew said she was delighted to welcome Cadbury on board for the international event.

“This is the first time since 2014 that New Zealand has hosted this global tournament, and I think it is fitting that one of netball’s strongest supporters will join the festivities in Christchurch,” she said.

“Cadbury has played a major role in backing our army of volunteers and grassroots netball, and we’re thrilled to have it join forces with us for this global tournament.

“We’re looking forward to some fast and fun international netball out on court and to have Cadbury by our side for the Netball World Series.”

Cadbury New Zealand spokesperson Will Papesch said it was thrilled to be the Principal Partner of the FAST5 Netball World Series in Christchurch.

“Cadbury has a proud history with Netball in New Zealand, and this is an exciting new step for us to be a part of this global tournament,” they said.

“Extending into the FAST5 Netball World Series is a testament to Cadbury’s ongoing commitment to supporting the growth of women’s sport in New Zealand and beyond.”

The top six ranked teams in World Netball will gather in Christchurch for the two-day tournament with hosts and defending champions the FAST5 Ferns the team to beat. 

They will be joined by Australia, England, Jamaica, Uganda, and South Africa for 18 matches over two days of fast-paced fun netball.

The FAST5 Ferns have dominated the event since its inception in 2009, winning seven titles including the last tournament played in 2018 in Melbourne where they beat Jamaica in the final.

FAST5 netball is an abbreviated version of the game featuring a number of dynamic rule changes including five players a side, shorter quarters, power plays and super shots.

New Zealand will host the FAST5 Netball World Series annually from 2022 to 2024.