Vero Insurance is supporting Air New Zealand NPC Referees in their quest for fair play and fast-paced rugby with a three-year sponsorship deal effective Friday, August 12, 2005.

Vero Marketing & Communications Manager Ian Walker says the sponsorship deal with the New Zealand Ruby Union is about supporting the work of NPC Referees who do an outstanding job of fairly and decisively managing two passion-filled teams and the pressures of public expectation at every game.

Mr Walker says the sponsorship is an excellent fit for Vero, which is Latin for ‘certain’, ‘assured’, and ‘truth’ – values personified by NPC referees. “We are extremely proud that from kick off tonight NPC Referees’ jerseys will proudly carry the Vero name."

“Referees are often the unsung heroes of a great rugby match. By being fair, decisive, honest and transparent they gain the trust and respect of both teams and become a vital element in keeping the game clean, flowing and fast-paced. Referees, at their best, get involved only when needed but when they do step in they act in a decisive and timely way.”

“As an insurer, Vero holds to similar principles. While no one likes to have an unpleasant incident or accident, we know that by acting quickly, fairly and decisively we can ensure there is minimum stress and disruption for our client. This principle is central to our claims philosophy.”

New Zealand Rugby Union Deputy CEO Steve Tew said the organisation is delighted to have Vero associated with the country's top provincial competition.

“Like our match officials, Vero is highly rated in its field and we are excited about this new partnership," Mr Tew said.

Vero has been voted Insurer of the Year for three years in a row (2002, 2003 and 2004) by the Insurance Brokers Association of New Zealand.