KEY POINTS:
The New Zealand Rugby Union is relieved Air New Zealand is continuing its sponsorship of rugby in the face of the difficult economic climate.
Air New Zealand has renewed its deal with the NZRU for a further three years, although from 2010 onwards it will not be the naming rights sponsor for the Air New Zealand Cup.
Tew says the rugby union is extremely grateful to Air New Zealand as the airline industry is under a lot of pressure.
Tew says the Air New Zealand Cup and Heartland Championship would not be able to exist in their current formats without the sponsorship.
- NEWSTALK ZB
