ANZ Championship and Netball New Zealand to recognise those affected by the Christchurch earthquake during Round 3 (24-28 February)

The ANZ Championship and Netball New Zealand will recognise those affected by the Christchurch earthquake during the league’s third round this weekend.

With Sunday’s scheduled match in Christchurch between the Canterbury Tactix and Northern Mystics postponed, nine of the competition’s ten teams will play out the remaining seven matches to be played in Australia and New Zealand this Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

In recognition of the earthquake victims, athletes and officials at all matches will wear black armbands, and a moment’s silence will be held prior to the start of each match.

ANZ Championship General Manager Anthony Everard said, “The league and Netball New Zealand have been overwhelmed by the messages of support which have flowed in from the netball community.

“While the ANZ Championship celebrates the tremendous on-court rivalry which exists between New Zealand and Australian teams, the thoughts of the league, teams and players on both sides of the Tasman are very much with our colleagues in Christchurch this week”, said Everard.

In addition to acknowledging the tragedy during this weekend’s matches, the league is also working closely with its Principal Sponsor, ANZ, to support the ANZ Canterbury Earthquake Appeal.

On 22 February 2011, ANZ announced a new donation of NZ$1 million to support immediate relief and long-term recovery efforts, and a package of assistance for the people of Christchurch and its surrounding regions impacted by yesterday’s 6.3 magnitude earthquake.

ANZ have also re-opened their Canterbury Earthquake Appeal Accounts to help those impacted by the earthquake. All proceeds of the appeal fund will go directly to Red Cross New Zealand to help Canterbury's disaster response.

Donations can be made by customers and the public at any ANZ or National Bank branch in New Zealand, or at any ANZ branch in Australia.

It is anticipated that ANZ volunteers will be on hand to take donations to the fund at all Round 3 matches in New Zealand.

Host broadcasters SKY Sport and Network Ten have also joined in the collaborative effort to support the Canterbury community by promoting the appeal during Round 3 telecasts.

Round 3 ANZ Championship Fixture*

Thursday 24 February LG Mystics v First Windows Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic
7.40pm, The Trusts Stadium Arena, Auckland

West Coast Fever v Adelaide Thunderbirds
7.10pm, Challenge Stadium, Perth

Saturday 26 February Queensland Firebirds v Adelaide Thunderbirds
1.20pm, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Brisbane

Haier Pulse v Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel
2.20pm, Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua

Sunday 27 February NSW Swifts v Melbourne Vixens
2.20pm, Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre, Sydney

Monday 28 February West Coast Fever v Queensland Firebirds
7.10pm, Challenge Stadium, Perth

Haier Pulse v First Windows Waikato/Bay of Plenty Magic
7.40pm, TSB Bank Arena, Wellington

* All times shown are local times

How to donate to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal

In New Zealand Donations to the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal can be made at either an ANZ Branch (account number: 01-1839-0188939-00) or at The National Bank (account number: 06-0869-0548507-00).

In Australia Donations to the Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal can be made at any ANZ branch or through internet banking. The account details are:
Account name: Red Cross New Zealand Earthquake Appeal
BSB: 013 265
Account: 4768 62394