Kiwis put Tonga on the TV map

New Zealand have stepped in to ensure fans of their first World Cup opponent, Tonga, are able to watch the tournament’s opening match on free-to-air television in the Pacific island nation.

There had been fears Tongans might miss the match between the All Blacks and Tonga on September 9, because the NZ$100,000 broadcast fee sought by rights-holder Sky Pacific was too much for Tonga Television.

The New Zealand High Commission in Tonga planned to sponsor an outdoor broadcast of the match at Teufaiva Stadium in the capital Nuku’alofa.

But High Commissioner Jonathan Austin said for the same cost New Zealand could sponsor a free-to-air broadcast of the match “so we decided to go with that option.”

SAPA-AP