Official Apparel Sponsor Expression of Interest
1. Introduction
Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ) invites Expressions of Interest from table-tennis apparel companies to become the Official Apparel Sponsor for New Zealand Teams. TTNZ is the recognised governing body for table tennis in New Zealand under the ITTF, ITTF-Oceania, Sport NZ, High Performance NZ, NZ Olympic Committee, and Paralympics New Zealand.
2. Background on TTNZ
TTNZ is the national body responsible for guiding and growing table tennis across NZ through a strong network of 18 regional member associations. More than 250,000 New Zealanders (~20% population) participate in the sport each year, representing communities of all ages and abilities, including school and social players, performance athletes and Para athletes.
As the recognised leader of the sport, TTNZ sets national standards for pathways, competitions, equipment, apparel and presentation. TTNZ supports growth across participation, athlete and coach development, national championships, performance pathways and international representation, ensuring an environment that is accessible, inclusive and professionally delivered.
A partnership with TTNZ offers national reach, strong community presence and the opportunity to contribute to strengthening table tennis across the country.
3. Why partner with TTNZ?
Partnering with TTNZ connects your brand with one of New Zealand’s most accessible and community focused sports. Table tennis is enjoyed recreationally or competitively by an estimated 250,000 New Zealanders, reaching people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. This creates a unique platform for sponsors to engage with a large, diverse and loyal national audience.
Decisions made at the national level directly shape the choices of regional associations, clubs and schools. When TTNZ forms a partnership or adopts a product line, the wider table tennis community follows that direction, creating strong visibility, consistency and long-term value for partners.
In 2025, TTNZ is internationally recognised for its leadership and impact. At the 2025 ITTF AGM in Doha, TTNZ received the prestigious “ITTF Most Active Member Association” Award. This honour reflects TTNZ’s commitment to growing table tennis nationally and contributing meaningfully to global development and participation initiatives.
Why TTNZ earned this international award:
- Strong participation in ITTF and continental events
- Engagement in key development pathways including ITTF Hopes Week and Challenge
- Involvement in ITTF Participation and Development Programmes
- Commitment to gender equity through the My Gender My Strength programme
- Support for New Zealand officials through education and mentorship
- Hosting the ITTF-Oceania Para Championships in September 2025
- Delivery of coach education and high-performance programmes
- A Paralympian on the world stage for the first time in 48 years – Matthew Britz
- A New Zealander winning the ITTF World Hopes Challenge for the first time in 2024 – Eli Ho
This global recognition shows that TTNZ is a trusted and credible leader, giving partners strong brand value, international visibility and a clear connection to excellence.
National and International Presence
TTNZ delivers a strong and visible presence through 12 to 15 national tournaments each year, including the New Zealand Open Championships, the New Zealand Para Open Championships and the New Zealand Veteran Open Championships. These events are major fixtures in the national sporting calendar and attract athletes from across the country.
To view the 2026 TTNZ Calendar
Internationally, New Zealand athletes represent TTNZ at events such as the ITTF Oceania Senior and Youth Championships, ITTF World Youth Championships, ITTF World Championships, ITTF-Oceania Hopes Week and Challenge, ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge, ITTF World Para events, WTT tournaments and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
A recent milestone was Matthew Britz proudly representing New Zealand at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, becoming the first New Zealand para table tennis athlete to compete at the Paralympics in 48 years. This achievement reflects TTNZ’s commitment to inclusion, athlete development, and high-performance excellence. Another standout achievement was Eli Ho winning the ITTF World Hopes Week and Challenge in 2024, the first New Zealander to do so.
Leadership Across Oceania
TTNZ plays a significant leadership role across Oceania’s 24 countries. By hosting international tournaments, delivering coach development programmes and supporting training exchanges, TTNZ strengthens pathways not only for New Zealand athletes but also for players and coaches throughout the Pacific.
A partnership with TTNZ extends brand reach into countries such as Australia, Fiji, Tonga, Tahiti, New Caledonia, Papua New Guinea, Tuvalu and the Solomon Islands. New Zealand is recognised as a trusted sporting influence across the region, giving sponsors meaningful visibility across Oceania.
Community Initiatives Across New Zealand
TTNZ delivers community initiatives that create opportunities for diverse groups, women and girls, ethnic communities, Para participants, and people of all ages and abilities. Working with schools, regional associations, and community partners, we make table tennis accessible and enjoyable for all.
Our programmes support every ability level, from beginners and social players whilst offering pathways from grassroots involvement through regional and elite national competition. Together, these initiatives help build strong, inclusive, and vibrant table tennis communities across New Zealand.
Health, Research and Social Impact
TTNZ is promoting table tennis as a sport that supports long-term wellbeing. Through the national Brain Health Campaign and our collaboration with Dr Liz Franz from the University of Otago, research shows that table tennis can improve cognitive function, coordination and rehabilitation outcomes for people living with neurological conditions.
The ITTF Foundation also recognises table tennis as a powerful tool for brain health, particularly in supporting people affected by Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. This global endorsement strengthens TTNZ’s Brain Health Campaign, positioning table tennis as a proven activity that enhances physical, cognitive and social wellbeing.
What TTNZ Offers to Sponsors
A partnership with TTNZ provides
- Nationwide visibility through apparel branding, livestreams, digital promotion and national tournament exposure
- Connection to a broad and engaged community across clubs, schools, Para programmes, women and girls events, veteran groups and social players
- Association with an Olympic and Paralympic sport that reflects excellence, inclusiveness and global connection
- Opportunities to activate your brand at national championships, international tournaments, development camps and community initiatives
- Leadership through TTNZ’s guidance for member associations to adopt consistent apparel, equipment standards and professional training environments, strengthening pathways and enhancing national identity
4. Term of Sponsorship
The selected partner will supply the required apparel in the following periods:
• July 2026 to June 2027 (12 months)
• July 2027 to December 2028 (18 months)
|
Item |
Quantity (per period) |
|
Competition Shirts |
550 |
|
Training T-shirts |
550 |
|
Customised shirts (for Top “X” Tournament) |
150 |
|
Shorts / Skirts |
550 |
|
Tracksuits |
150 |
|
Sports Bags or Backpacks |
150 |
|
Racket Covers |
150 |
|
Towels |
200 |
4a. Additional apparel
If any New Zealand athletes qualify for the Youth Olympic Games, Olympic Games or Paralympic Games during the contract period, the selected partner will provide additional apparel for each qualifying athlete, coach and staff member.
Quantities per athlete/coach/staff member:
- 4 competition T-shirts
- 4 training T-shirts
- 4 pairs of shorts/skirts/pants (for Para athletes)
- 6 pairs of socks
- 2 towels
- 1 water bottle
- 1 bat cover
Final quantities will depend on the number of qualified athletes.
These items will be provided as part of the sponsorship at no cost to TTNZ.
5. Partnership Deliverables
Sponsor Obligations
- Provide all sponsored apparel and accessories at no cost to TTNZ for the nominated teams.
- Cover freight and GST charges to the designated New Zealand address.
- Ensure all apparel complies with ITTF, WTT, and event organiser regulations, and allows for the inclusion of the TTNZ logo, the New Zealand Fern, and any other approved sponsor logos.
- Offer a corporate discount to TTNZ for bulk or additional purchases of apparel and equipment.
TTNZ Obligations
The New Zealand team will wear the sponsored attire at the following international tournaments:
- ITTF-Oceania Senior and Youth Table Tennis Championships
- ITTF-Oceania Para Table Tennis Championships
- ITTF World Youth Table Tennis Championships*
- ITTF World Table Tennis Championships*
- ITTF World Para Table Tennis Championships*
- ITTF-Oceania Hopes Week & Challenge
- ITTF World Hopes Week & Challenge*
- New Zealand vs Australia Test Match (This is a key Trans-Tasman event showcasing top athletes from both countries. It gives New Zealand veteran players valuable international experience and offers strong visibility for partners supporting table tennis in Aotearoa)
- Youth Olympic Games, Olympic Games and Paralympic Games
*For these tournaments, teams or athletes must qualify. If New Zealand qualifies, the team will wear the sponsored attire.
NZ Team athletes will also wear the sponsored attire for all WTT events and ITTF World Para events. Only athletes who hold individual sponsorship agreements are not required to wear the sponsored apparel at these events.
- Recognise the selected company as the Official Apparel Sponsor for the New Zealand Teams across TTNZ’s website, social media, and national tournament materials
- Provide banner placement at TTNZ national tournaments.
- Provide the sponsor or its authorised agent with booth space at TTNZ national tournaments.
- Use the sponsor’s balls at TTNZ National Tournaments, with the sponsor providing a wholesale price to TTNZ and member associations to adopt the product.
- Include sponsor branding on official team apparel, adhering to ITTF or event regulations.
6. Additional Sponsorship Opportunities
Top “X” – Premium Invitational Tournament (Optional, 2026 Only)
TTNZ hosts Top “X” tournament annually, a prestigious invitational tournament that brings together the top players from across New Zealand. In 2026, there will be one “Top X” tournament and in future years, there will be multiple opportunities. The apparel sponsor will have the first right of refusal for future “Top X” tournaments.
6a. Financial/ Equipment for Top “X” – 2026 (Optional)
Sponsors may support this flagship event through one of the following options:
• Financial sponsorship
• Equipment sponsorship
|
Sponsorship Tier |
Contribution in USD (per event) |
Key Benefits and Obligations |
|
Equipment Sponsor |
|
|
|
Gold Partner |
$5,000 USD |
|
|
Silver Partner |
$2,500 USD |
|
6b. Individual Athlete Sponsorship (Optional)
- Sponsors may also directly support a New Zealand National or Para athlete of their choice.
- TTNZ may recommend suitable athletes based on the sponsor’s preferences, and the sponsor will make the final decision.
- The athlete is ranked inside the top 10 on the TTNZ national annual ranking list.
Each individual sponsorship package comprises:
|
Item |
Quantity per athlete (per year) |
|
Athlete support grant |
$2000+ USD |
|
Competition shirts |
20 |
|
Shorts / skirts |
20 |
|
Table tennis shoes |
6 pairs |
|
Table tennis bats |
4 |
|
Rubber sheets |
24 |
Sponsor Benefits & Acknowledgment
- Recognition as Official Apparel and Equipment Sponsor of [Player Name] on TTNZ website and social media.
- Option to present sponsored gear during national training or event.
- Athlete photo with sponsor branding for mutual promotion (approved by TTNZ).
- Athlete will wear the apparel and use the equipment for international and national tournaments.
6. Submission Requirements
Interested companies should submit via LINK
Deadline: Please RSVP by 5pm NZT on 9 January 2026.