Tourism New Zealand

NZ Government denies sponsorship for Joseph Parker's promoters

David Higgins, founder of Duco Events, said they will again approach the Samoan Government after they supported Parker's title bid in December.

Higgins told 1News he believed the funding application met all criteria.

"We received a letter just to say no there won't be any support. Of course we are disappointed but that's life, they make their judgements so be it," Higgins told 1News.

Duco were unable to gain funding from Tourism New Zealand before the December fight against Andy Ruiz, instead getting a $100,000 grant from Samoa.