Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic contest the preliminary final against the Sting. The Southland-based franchise emerged victorious over the Magic by 48–46 in a close contest: this was the final NBC match played by the franchise. The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic were one of five New Zealand franchises named for the new trans-Tasman netball competition – eventually named the ANZ Championship – to start in 2008. Martin Ellis was appointed as the new CEO for the Magic franchise. But several organisational problems also emerged prior to the start of the new season: a row erupted over the composition of the board early in the
Bay of Plenty rugby league team Alex Chan. The Stags drew players from both the Bay of Plenty Rugby League and the Coastlines Rugby League competitions. Between 2004 and 2008 they were represented by the Waicoa Bay Stallions in the Bartercard Cup. The Stallions represented the Waikato Rugby League and Coastlines Rugby League as well as the Bay of Plenty Rugby League. In 2008 and 2009 the Bay of Plenty provincial side competed in the National Provincial Competition. Former Kiwis coach Graham Lowe was the coach of the side for 2008. In 2009 they did not win a game and finished sixth. Bay of Plenty rugby