Spark Sport announced it had snatched the New Zealand Cricket from Sky TV after first securing the rights to the Rugby World Cup.
From April next year, domestic and international cricket matches will be streamed on Spark Sport for six years until the deal expires. Sky TV also recorded a record low share price on the NZX, dropping by 18 cents (16.22 per cent) to as low as 92c. Since the decision was announced, the media had been inundated in emails from disgruntled sports fans. Rurally based cricket fan Lyn said they had a poor Wi-Fi connection and had already missed out on the Rugby World Cup coverage. "My reaction? Awful and gut wrenching," Lyn said. Robin England also weighed in: "Living rural and having limited rural broadband to be able to stream mean we will have to top up and that costs us a fortune. "So looks like we can no longer support cricket in New Zealand now." Jeanette Holman was as equally dismayed about the prospect of having to stream the cricket. "Gutted they can't get Rugby World Cup right ... dreadful coverage ... come on Sky get your act together ... how did you drop the ball again?" she said. The announcement sucked, Allan said, and he would be cancelling his account with Spark, "I do not want to live stream anything let alone sport." Kath Winn said her family were big sports fanatics and they were looking forward to the conclusion of the Rugby World Cup and for Sky to take over again. "The [Sky] filming and presentation are years ahead of Spark, plus of course far more professional announcers who know their sport." Meanwhile, Craig Kensington has taken aim at Winston Peters. "What really annoys me Winston, is that you promised before the election that we would emulate Australia and have major matches in all codes free to air..
==========================================================
Poll: Should the government levy industries that contribute to financial hardship?
As reported in the Post, there’s a $30 million funding gap in financial mentoring. This has led to services closing and mentors stepping in unpaid just to keep helping people in need 🪙💰🪙
One proposed solution? Small levies on industries that profit from financial hardship — like banks, casinos, and similar companies.
So we want to hear what you think:
Should the government ask these industries to contribute?
-
58.9% Yes, supporting people is important!
-
26.4% No, individuals should take responsibility
-
14.7% ... It is complicated
A Neighbourly Riddle! Don’t Overthink It… Or Do?😜
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
If you multiply this number by any other number, the answer will always be the same. What number is this?
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Loading…
