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.

The New Zealand men's and women's hockey teams both had wins tonight on their tours of the South Island.

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.

Both the men's and women's Black Sticks will be in action next week, with all games streamed live on nzherald.co.nz

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.

The women's Black Sticks had a strong inkling they would make it to Rio; still, yesterday's confirmation that they will be in the 12-team Olympic tournament lifted the spirits.