Well, well, well – it looks like New Zealand Rugby League just found itself a shiny new co-pilot. Geely has become NZRL’s first-ever official automotive partner, bringing with it a fleet of electric-hybrid vehicles and a three-year commitment that’s got the wheels spinning nicely.
The Partnership That’s Going Places
Let’s cut to the chase: along with slapping a logo on a jersey, Geely is rolling out a twelve-car fleet of its Starray EM-i vehicles across NZRL’s head office and regional associations nationwide. Think of it as rugby league’s new mobility backbone, carrying the game from grassroots communities right through to the elite level.
The timing couldn’t be better. Coming off a record sales month in September, Geely is clearly riding high, and now it’s channeling that momentum into growing rugby league across Aotearoa. The vehicles will be wrapped in NZRL branding, transforming every car into a moving billboard that turns heads from Auckland to Southland.
Innovation Meets the (ahem) Beautiful Game
Geely’s Electric Hybrid technology isn’t just a nice-to-have environmental nod, it’s about extending NZRL’s reach into communities with sustainable, efficient transport. In a country that’s increasingly embracing EV technology, Geely’s hybrid approach feels perfectly aligned with New Zealand’s values. The partnership also extends beyond ground transportation. Geely’s logo will feature prominently on the Kiwis’ jersey at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, putting the brand front and center on rugby league’s biggest global stage.
More Than Just Sponsorship
NZRL CEO Andrea Nelson says, “We’re very excited to welcome Geely to the NZRL whānau and look forward to working together, with a shared focus on innovation and performance.”
This partnership is built on shared values. Both organisations are laser-focused on community connection, resilience, and opportunity. According to NordEast Group General Manager Dane Fisher, “The values that sit behind rugby league in New Zealand, community, resilience and opportunity, closely mirror what we’re building with Geely.”
What This Means for the Game
For rugby league fans, this is genuinely exciting. With three years of partnership ahead, NZRL has secured a partner that’s aligned with its ambition to grow the sport, deepen community connection, and improve access to the game nationwide. Regional associations will be better equipped to reach communities, grassroots programs will benefit from improved mobility, and the Kiwis get backing from a brand with serious pedigree.
Geely, for context, isn’t messing about either. The brand is a global mainstream electric and hybrid vehicle leader within Geely Auto Group, one of China’s largest automotive groups .In New Zealand, it’s backed by NordEast Vehicle Distributors, a division of the well-established Giltrap Group.
The Bottom Line
This partnership represents something refreshing in sports sponsorship: genuine alignment between brand values and organisational mission. It’s not just about visibility – it’s about practical support that helps rugby league reach further into communities across New Zealand. As vehicles wrapped in NZRL branding hit the roads, they’ll carry more than just administrators and regional representatives; they’ll carry the momentum of a sport that’s clearly on the rise.
For New Zealand rugby league, that’s a powerful endorsement. And for Geely, it’s a smart investment in a community-focused organization that embodies the kind of resilience and innovation the brand champions.
