News: SPK UPDATE 1-New Zealand competition watchdog rejects Sky TV purchase of Vodafone NZ

(Adds detail, regulator, CEO quote)

WELLINGTON, Feb 23 (Reuters) - New Zealand's competition regulator on Thursday rejected Sky Network Television's (SKT) proposed acquisition of Vodafone's New Zealand unit , saying that it would create a monopoly on premium sports content.

The Commerce Commission said in a statement that its concerns about the NZ$1.3 billion ($930 million) deal outlined in October had not been assuaged.

"We have concerns that this could impact competitiveness of key third players in these markets," Commerce Commission Chairman Mark Berry said in the statement.

Vodafone said it will consider its options after it has examined the commission's decision.

"We are disappointed the Commerce Commission was unable to see the numerous benefits this merger brings to New Zealanders," Vodafone's New Zealand CEO Russell Stanners said.

The regulator had delayed its decision until February after asking Sky and Vodafone for more details on the deal, which was first proposed in June.

Rival telecoms company Spark New Zealand (SPK) also opposed the deal and had received a court stay on Wednesday for a temporary halt if the regulator ruled in flavour of the sale.

"The Commerce Commission's decision to decline the proposed merger between Sky Network Television Ltd and Vodafone New Zealand is a big positive for Kiwi consumers," Spark’s General Manager for Regulatory Affairs, John Wesley-Smith, said in a statement.