Mitre 10 Cup

Mitre 10 Cup

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Mitre 10 is a New Zealand chain of home improvement stores established in June 1974. The company sells a range of household hardware, building supplies, heaters, air conditioners, garden products, barbeques and camping gear.

There are 84 Mitre 10 member stores around New Zealand, including 19 in Auckland. Together, the members employ more than 8000 staff.

History

Mitre 10 was started in Melbourne, Australia in 1959 as a local co-operative, with the initial 8 independent operators pooling their resources for shared advertising and promotion. Separate state-based companies were formed in the years following. An overall licensing company was established in 1964.

The co-operative concept became known to New Zealand hardware shop owners, and on 28 June 1974 the New Zealand Herald reported "some of the smaller firms in the timber and hardware merchandising field are grouping together to present a unified buying and selling front." The first member's meeting in 1974 consisted of twelve members representing fifteen stores.[]

In the late 1980s the chain expanded its to include home and garden products. In 1994 the "Mitre 10 Home and Trade" brand was established. Two brand names (Hammer Hardware, Mitre 10 Mega) further expanded the Mitre 10 presence in both the small and large towns and cities. There were 50 Mitre 10 stores in 1999, 113 in 2003 and 83 in 2019.

In 2010 Mitre 10 (New Zealand) Limited took full ownership of the Mitre 10 brands for New Zealand after changes to the ownership of the Mitre 10 operation in Australia. Despite sharing the same heritage, the modern operations in New Zealand and Australia are separate.

The Mitre 10 Cup is a prestigious rugby union tournament held annually in New Zealand. It is one of the most highly anticipated events in the country's sporting calendar, showcasing the immense talent and passion for rugby that New Zealand is renowned for.

The tournament features 14 teams representing different regions across New Zealand, including both provincial unions and professional franchises. These teams compete against each other in a thrilling round-robin format, followed by knockout stages, culminating in an exhilarating final.

The Mitre 10 Cup is known for its high-intensity matches, where players exhibit exceptional skills, physicality, and tactical prowess. The tournament serves as a platform for emerging talents to showcase their abilities, as well as for established players to further solidify their reputation in the rugby world.

The competition is named after its principal sponsor, Mitre 10, a leading home improvement and building supplies company in New Zealand. Their support has contributed significantly to the growth and success of the tournament, allowing it to attract top-tier players and provide a world-class rugby experience for fans.

The Mitre 10 Cup not only captivates local audiences but also draws attention from rugby enthusiasts worldwide. Its reputation as a breeding ground for future All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby team, adds to its allure and ensures that the tournament is closely followed by rugby fans across the globe.

Beyond the on-field action, the Mitre 10 Cup also fosters a sense of community and pride within each region. The teams represent their respective areas with immense passion, and matches often attract fervent support from local fans, creating an electric atmosphere in stadiums throughout the country.

Overall, the Mitre 10 Cup is a celebration of New Zealand's rich rugby heritage and a testament to the country's love affair with the sport. It combines fierce competition, exceptional talent, and unwavering support to create an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike.