AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND — In a country known for producing sporting icons, New Zealand’s women and girls are still fighting an uphill battle for equality in sport. Despite the talent, passion, and potential, women’s sport continues to be sidelined with less coverage, lower funding, and limited support continue to hinder progress. But challenger telco 2degrees is stepping in to change that narrative.
In collaboration with TBWA\NZ, 2degrees is doubling down on its Fighting for Fair promise with the launch of the SupportHER Club, a nationwide campaign designed to elevate women’s sport and keep more girls in the game. Fresh off the momentum of 2024’s game changing Aupiki TikTok final, TBWA\NZ crafted a campaign that goes beyond sponsorship.
“This campaign is designed to flip the script and give women and girls in sport the backing they need to thrive. Sport is so much more than competition,” says Shane Bradnick, Chief Creative Officer at TBWA\NZ. “It’s about finding your people, growing your confidence, and experiencing the pure joy of the game. With the SupportHER Club, we see this as a rich territory to ensure every girl feels they have that chance.”
At the heart of the campaign is an emotional, powerful AV piece that captures a young girl’s first-day playing team sport. The poignant story highlights the importance of belonging, growing, and creating strong, supportive communities. It’s a reminder that sport isn’t just about winning, it’s about inspiring the next generation to build confidence, resilience, and lifelong friendships. Rugby star, Katelyn Vaha’akolo provides the voice over.
“At 2degrees, we believe fairness should extend to every aspect of life – including sport,” says Anna Gorman, Senior Sponsorship & Community Manager at 2degrees. “Women’s sport deserves equal recognition, support, and investment, and the SupportHER Club is about taking real action to drive change. By backing women and girls at every level, we’re helping to create a future where talent, passion, and dedication are what matter most – not gender.”
The SupportHER Club will be a go-to hub for information on 2degrees’ sponsorships and partnerships with women’s sports teams and organisations. It will also offer practical tools for those playing a role in shaping the future of women’s sport, whether they’re coaching, cheering from the sidelines, or leading the next generation of female athletes.
The campaign will hit screens and streets throughout March, rolling out across TV, VOD, digital, social media, and OOH advertising to ensure the message reaches and inspires as many people as possible.
CREDITS:
2degrees
GM Marketing: Dave Pearce
Senior Sponsorship & Community Manager: Anna Gorman
Sponsorship & Events Specialist: Eva Thomson
Creative Agency: TBWA
Chief Creative Officer: Shane Bradnick
Copywriter: Felicity Buckham
Art Director: Diana Hornal
Art Director: Jack Tibbs
General Manager: Simon Mills
Senior Business Director: Cassie Lapsley
Senior Integrated Producer: Tabitha Parke-Gailey
Production Company: Goodoil
Director: Taylor Ferguson
Managing Director: George MacKenzie
Executive Producer: Andrew McLean
Producer: Anna Stuart
DOP: Maria Ines Manchego
Casting: Catch Casting
Media Agency: OMD
Client Services Director: Jennifer Hilliar
Business Manager: Harry Chapman
Senior Integration Content Director: Kendall Smith
Offline Editor: Phoebe Taylor
Colourist: Matic Prusnik
VFX Artist: Stu Bedford
Music & Sound: Beatworms – Cam Ballantyne
Photographer: Sacha Stejko
Stills producer: IDC – Michele Richards
