Matches started on 31 July 2008, and continued until the final on 25 October 2008.

This season was the third of the expanded competition, which succeeded the First Division of the National Provincial Championship.

This was followed by a knockout playoff involving eight teams, made up of quarterfinals, semifinals and the final.

Both teams failed to meet criteria which included financial stability, population, player training and development, playing history, and administration.

This decision was reversed towards the end of the 2008 season, with Tasman and Northland remaining in the competition for two more years.