Whanganui all set for 2019 Downer New Zealand Masters Games

Downer staff, with Masters Games Trust chairman Leighton Toy (left), Whanganui Alliance Manager Dave Nicholls (centre) next to Philippa Baker-Hogan with Games manager Tasha Parker (right).

The New Zealand Masters Games is coming to Whanganui in February with the power of infrastructure giant Downer behind it.

Downer has signed on as naming rights sponsor giving a huge boost to the 30th anniversary of the Games which will be celebrated in Whanganui from February 1-10.

It's now the Downer New Zealand Masters Games, the deal coming 10 years after the last such sponsorship, provided by ACC in 2009.

Masters Games company chairwoman Philippa Baker-Hogan said she was "delighted to welcome Downer as our premier naming rights sponsor".

"Downer is very well known in Whanganui and throughout our region. With established local relationships and strong community focus they are the ideal partner for this iconic event," said the former Olympic rower and now district councillor.

Signing with a naming rights sponsor was a significant breakthrough, giving us both financial security and the potential to increase the visibility of the 30th anniversary event, she said.

"Early indications are that the 2019 Downer New Zealand Masters Games in Whanganui will be a great success and an occasion to remember."

Downer executive general manager Craig West added: "Communities are at the heart of what we do, and we have been a part of the Whanganui community for decades.

"Supporting an event of this calibre will help to drive a stronger economy for the region. It is just one way that Downer contributes to building a stronger New Zealand."

West said Whanganui-based staff were already excited about the opportunity to participate in the Games.

"We have a strong interest from our people — we can't wait to get into the 2019 Downer New Zealand Masters Games."

Downer has been building and maintaining infrastructure in New Zealand for over a century and today is the leading provider of integrated services across the country.

With over 12,000 employees in New Zealand across over 200 sites, Downer works alongside customers and communities to truly understand their needs and bring world leading insights and solutions to life.

Spotless and Hawkins are also part of the Downer family.

Hawkins is New Zealand's leading construction business and delivers non-residential building services across a variety of sectors.

Spotless delivers tailored integrated facilities solutions to clients across Australia and New Zealand, providing essential services including catering, hospitality, laundry management and facilities management.

Downer, Hawkins & Spotless are proud to be the naming rights partner of the Downer New Zealand Masters Games.

Games info

*The Downer New Zealand Masters Games will be held in Whanganui from February 1-10, marking the 30th anniversary of the Games.

*Over 50 events are offered with a continuous programme of entertainment offered at the Games Village, which will be based outside the War Memorial Centre in central Whanganui.

*Early bird registrations are now open at www.enternzmg.com