MENU

THOMPSON PREDICTS NORTHERN CHALLENGE WILL GO DOWN TO THE THIRD GAME

Barfoot and Thompson has been supporting Auckland netball since well before the Mystics even existed. Managing Director Peter Thompson says it’s all about showing teams you’re there in the good times and the bad.

 

For a sports fan as passionate as Peter Thompson, the start of the Barfoot and Thompson Northern Challenge is one of the hardest weeks of the netball season.

The Barfoot and Thompson Managing Director “bleeds blue” with his love and support of all things Auckland, especially Auckland sport, but this week he has to play the neutral card as the Northern Mystics line up against the Northern Stars (who Barfoot and Thompson also support) in the first of the three-match Barfoot & Thompson Northern Challenge.

“I have to stay totally independent. I’ve had a lot to do with both camps over the years and it’s great to see both teams performing so well this year. What I can say is that it will go down to the third game.”

Thompson has this year celebrated 40 years at the company his grandfather Maurice formed in the 1920s. They now have 76 branches across Auckland and are proud supporters of numerous Auckland charities including the Starship Foundation and many sports including the Mystics.

‘Caring for our communities’ is the cornerstone of the family-owned business and Thompson said it originated from a discussion with a handful of successful Auckland businessmen who had all built their businesses around community.

“They instilled in me that if you give back to the community, the community will give back to you.”

His involvement with professional netball in Auckland goes back to the Auckland Diamonds days.

“We’ve had so many fun times. It’s the friendships we’ve developed – I think back to players like Temepara (Bailey), Cat Latu (Tuivaiti), Maria (Folau), and now Bailey (Mes) playing 100 games – that’s phenomenal.”

“There have been golden days and periods of rebuilding, but that’s sport. I’m a person who must win but if the girls are giving 100% and leaving it all on the court, then they’ve given their best and that’s all anyone can ask for.”

Thompson prides himself on building strong relationships with the organisations they support.

“The more I do it the more I realise how important it is to get close to the team. Then if the team loses, they appreciate that you’re hurting just as much as they are. You’ve got to show you’re there for them in the good and bad times.”

Northern Mystics Chief Executive Phil Vyver said Thompson’s support for the team went well beyond the corporate sponsorship as the Principal Partner of the Northern Mystics.

“Peter is such a generous supporter of the Mystics, especially the way he personally pays for the squad to go away for team-building camps known as Thommo days. He believes in the teams he supports and will do anything to help them.”

The only thing he can do at this week’s opening Northern Challenge match however is cheer for good netball.

Barfoot and Thompson Northern Challenge – Northern Mystics v Robinhood Northern Stars:

Match one: Sunday 6 June 6.15pm at The Trusts Arena

Match two: Sunday 27 June 6.15pm at Pulman Arena

Match three: Sunday 4 July 4.15pm at The Trusts Arena

  • SHARE