New Zealand: BLAIR TARRANT REFLECTS ON HIS TIME IN THE BLACK SHIRT
After an incredible career spanning over 15 years, three Olympic Games, three Commonwealth Games and three World Cups, Vantage Black Sticks Men’s defender and former captain Blair Tarrant has announced his retirement from international hockey. Hailing from Otago, Blair’s journey began on the turfs of Dunedin, where his passion for hockey quickly grew into […]
New Zealand: VANTAGE BLACK STICKS 2025 AWARDS
Hockey New Zealand is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Vantage Black Sticks Annual Awards. An annual celebration recognising individual excellence, professionalism, and contribution within the Hockey New Zealand high-performance environment. These awards honour players who have consistently demonstrated exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment throughout the international season (October 2024 – September 2025). […]
New Zealand: VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN 2025 AZLAN SHAH SQUAD
The Vantage Black Sticks men have accepted an invitation to compete in the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, held in Ipoh, Malaysia, from 23–30 November 2025. The prestigious invitational tournament will see the New Zealand face off against some of the world’s top hockey nations. Malaysia, Korea, Canada, India, and Belgium, in what promises […]
New Zealand: BOTH MEN AND WOMEN QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD CUP
The Vantage Black Sticks Women have secured their place at the 2026 FIH World Cup after a thrilling shootout victory over Australia in the deciding match of the 2025 Oceania Cup in Darwin. After winning the first match 1–0 and losing the second 0–1, it all came down to last night’s decider. Australia […]
New Zealand: AUSTRALIA TAKE GAME TWO AS VANTAGE BLACK STICKS EYE SUNDAY DECIDERS – OCEANIA CUP
Day two of the 2025 Oceania Cup saw both the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women take the field in Darwin for their second matches against Australia. In warm Northern Territory weather, both teams had strong moments throughout the day, but Australia came away with wins in both matches to take the upper hand in […]
New Zealand: VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN LEAD THE SERIES – OCEANIA CUP
The 2025 Oceania Cup got underway in Darwin last night, with both the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women facing Australia in the first of three matches in the classic trans-Tasman rivalry. Both sides were eager to set the tone early and take an advantage into the weekend’s remaining fixtures. Men’s Match – A […]
New Zealand: CHANGES MADE TO MENS OCEANIA CUP SQUAD
The Vantage Black Sticks Men are set to begin their Oceania Cup campaign tonight at 8:30pm NZT against Australia in Darwin, with a few late changes to the squad bringing fresh energy and opportunity. Unfortunately, Scott Boyde, Isaac Houlbrooke and Sean Findlay have been ruled out of the series due to injury. However, this […]
New Zealand: VANTAGE BLACK STICKS WOMEN 2025 OCEANIA CUP SQUAD NAMED
Hockey New Zealand is proud to announce the Vantage Black Sticks Women’s squad selected for the 2025 Oceania Cup, taking place in Darwin, Australia, from 4–7 September 2025. The event will be hosted at the MWT Hockey Centre. The Oceania Cup is more than just regional bragging rights, it delivers automatic qualification to the […]
New Zealand: VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN 2025 OCEANIA CUP NAMED
Hockey New Zealand is thrilled to announce the Vantage Black Sticks Men’s squad, selected for the eagerly awaited 2025 Men’s Oceania Cup in Darwin, Australia, running from 4–7 September at the MWT Hockey Centre. The 13th edition of the Oceania Cup will be a classic showdown between New Zealand and Australia, designed as a […]
New Zealand: VANTAGE BLACK STICKS MEN WITHDRAW FROM 2025-26 FIH PRO LEAGUE
Hockey New Zealand has confirmed the Vantage Black Sticks Men will not participate in the 2025–26 FIH Pro League, despite qualifying by winning the 2025 Nations Cup. This decision follows consultation with players, coaches, and key stakeholders, and reflects the current Pro League format’s misalignment with New Zealand’s high-performance goals. Hockey NZ has […]
