There's a few threads on this topic - quite a few recent ones too.

Right now I'd grab this ($99 till tomorrow): https://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/p/dishtv-smartvu-android-tv-media-player-sv10/R2546404.html

Not the cheapest (see Ali Express), not the most powerful either, however NZ apps are supported and you get it from a big name retailer and in NZ so CGA applies.

or this https://www.mi-store.co.nz/product/PFJ4086EU/TV-Box-Media-Player-MI-Box-S 

kobiak:

 

or this https://www.mi-store.co.nz/product/PFJ4086EU/TV-Box-Media-Player-MI-Box-S 

 

Didnt know you could now buy these here. I have a "non S" version that I've had a good few years now and its great.  However you have to be aware that you need to side-load some apps (which is a bit of a PITA).  I see thats still the case (even though now available in NZ)

I've also found the Spark Sports app wont do 1080p resolution on my Mi Box. Whereas the SmartVu X does - jumps right to it.

These are reasons I'd recommend the SmartVu X over the Mi Box myself - especially to non tech friends (not suggesting that OP is in this category)

Mi Box for $130 (or $100 on sale) from PBTech works well for me. I haven't tried sports, but Netflix, youtube, and TVNZ work fine.

nzkc:

 

kobiak:

 

or this https://www.mi-store.co.nz/product/PFJ4086EU/TV-Box-Media-Player-MI-Box-S 

 

 

Didnt know you could now buy these here. I have a "non S" version that I've had a good few years now and its great.  However you have to be aware that you need to side-load some apps (which is a bit of a PITA).  I see thats still the case (even though now available in NZ)

 

 

I've also found the Spark Sports app wont do 1080p resolution on my Mi Box. Whereas the SmartVu X does - jumps right to it.

 

These are reasons I'd recommend the SmartVu X over the Mi Box myself - especially to non tech friends (not suggesting that OP is in this category)

 

I watched RWC on android TV (TCL TV and Mi BOX) no issues with 1080p content. Once side loaded the app - all works as expected.

itey: I have a xiaomi mi box 3 that is in good condition - I still have the box somewhere I think

$50+shipping if you're be interested

That sounds close to what I'm after. Dig it up and fire it up and we can talk.

nzkc:

 

Didnt know you could now buy these here. I have a "non S" version that I've had a good few years now and its great.  However you have to be aware that you need to side-load some apps (which is a bit of a PITA).  I see thats still the case (even though now available in NZ)

 

 

I've also found the Spark Sports app wont do 1080p resolution on my Mi Box. Whereas the SmartVu X does - jumps right to it.

 

These are reasons I'd recommend the SmartVu X over the Mi Box myself - especially to non tech friends (not suggesting that OP is in this category)

 

I'm nowhere near expert on any of this, but I know enough to tinker and sideloading and customisations are not a problem for me. Even 1080p is not necessary. The device will replace one I'm having trouble with on a table next to the bed a short way from the smallish TV. On that I can't see any difference between 1080p and 720p and the kind of things I watch (mainly news) are often even less than that, so no 4k needed either.