The league serves as New Zealand's premier domestic hockey league, helping unearth future talent for selection to the country's national teams; the Vantage Black Sticks.

The Central Falcons were the inaugural tournament champions in both the men's and women's editions, taking out the 2020 titles.

The tournament was formed as a response to Hockey New Zealand needing to provide their top players elite-level hockey, with the Black Sticks being unable to travel due to the country's COVID restrictions.

In 2020, it was confirmed that the league had secured a major partnership with Sentinel Homes, with naming rights also afforded to the company, forming the Sentinel Homes Premier Hockey League.

[5] In both the men's and women's competitions, Hockey New Zealand presents a most valuable player (MVP) award at the conclusion of the tournament.