• Famous Kiwis
• Favourite sports
• How New Zealand rates
• Kiwi actors
• Kiwi beliefs
• Kiwi books
• Kiwi comedians
• Kiwi food and drink
• Kiwi heroes
• Kiwi icons
• Kiwi inventions
• Kiwi movies
• Kiwi television
• Kiwi words and sayings
• Kiwi world Firsts
• Music
• The Haka
• Welcomes
• Who Kiwis trust the most

Favourite sports

Rugby is New Zealand's favourite sport with 60% of adults telling pollsters they were 'very or fairly' interested in the sport. But what are the other favourite sports of New Zealand?

The UMR survey of 750 adults shows New Zealand's favourite sports (i.e. most popular) were:

1. Rugby 60%
2. Netball 49%
3. Cricket 48%
4. Rugby league 43%
5. Rowing 41%
6. Football (soccer) 37%

Rugby has long been considered to be New Zealand's national sport and popularity peaked when the annual UMR survey showed 79% of Kiwis to be 'very or fairly' interested in the sport during the 2003 Rugby World Cup.

The telephone survey of people over 18 found that 53% wanted the All Blacks to win as many games as possible but 41% were comfortable with the All Blacks dropping a few tests if it meant building towards World Cup success.