New Zealand's Black Sticks men set off on their most important tournament since the London Olympics.

Uncapped Midlands striker Leo Mitai-Wells is the surprise pick in the New Zealand men's hockey team.

New Zealand and Australia have qualified for next year's Rio Olympics.

nzherald.co.nz brings live and exclusive streaming of the New Zealand men's hockey team taking on India.

They must win that match in Stratford to qualify for the Rio Games. If not, they face temporary sporting oblivion.

Anita Punt will get the opportunity to tick off a very big one, play a test in her home town of Nelson.

The Black Sticks women's team will be looking for improved accuracy in key areas as they attempt to level their four-match series against Argentina in Blenheim today.

NZ are likely to have a heavier emphasis than usual on goalscoring when they play India in their four-game series starting in Nelson on Tuesday.

Devon Manchester is relishing the prospect of his first stint in the Indian Hockey League.

New Zealand's most experienced internationals Kayla Whitelock and Emily Naylor are on track for a return to the national team before next year's Rio Olympics.

Auckland's bid for a successful double defence of the national hockey titles remains alive going into tomorrow's semifinals.

A wise betting man wouldn't go against Auckland marching on to the Challenge Shield final in Whangarei this week at the national hockey league tournament.

Auckland sit on 12 points in pursuit of their fifth straight Challenge Shield title after beating North Harbour 7-2.

New Zealand's hockey teams have secured valuable lead up opposition ahead of their Oceania Cup series in Taranaki next month.

New Zealand women's coach Mark Hager will have a keener eye than usual on the national league, which starts today.

It is not a topic you have to dance around with Stacey Michelsen. She's quite happy to confront the fact the Black Sticks women are starting to generate an unenviable record of falling short of the podium in big tournaments.

The coach was giving a team talk at half time when he collapsed on the field.