President’s Report

Photo right: Beverley Douglas announcing Carole Maddix as the new NNZ President, elected for a two-year term at the 92nd NNZ AGM. Carole replaced Beverley who came to the end of a four-year tenure as NNZ President

Our wonderful Silver Ferns, Noeline Taurua, Debbie Fuller and their support team achieved their goal to bring home the Netball World Cup. New Zealanders were gripped to their seats cheering on the Ferns, and the sheer grit and determination of our team was admired by all – congratulations, you certainly did us proud.

Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse and Northern Stars demonstrated world-class Netball in the final of the 2019 ANZ Premiership – congratulations to both teams. The Pulse took out the final in what was a thrilling and exciting game. Equally, the 2019 Beko Netball League saw some great Netball with Central Manawa winning the final and Waikato Bay of Plenty the runner up. These events showcase the high demand for elite competition and provide an incredibly important pathway for coaches, players and officials to develop and advance.

I have been fortunate to get out and about visiting Netball Centres and attending the Netball NZ U17 and U19 Champs and the Fuji Xerox NZSS Netball Champs. With the high standard of Netball displayed at both age group and New Zealand Secondary School championships, the future is looking good for the game.

Yvonne Willering, Maree Bernasconi and Lyn Pellow were deservedly recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours. Yvonne was honoured with the Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for Services to Netball, Maree (Pukekohe Netball) and Lyn (Auckland Netball) received the Queen’s Service Medal for Services to Netball. Sheryl Dawson, Netball New Zealand Life Member, was honoured with an International Netball Federation Service Award in July.

The recent Netball New Zealand Awards evening recognised our country’s top talent from all aspects of the game from community Netball to international level Netball. The event was a wonderful celebration of our sport and the people who play, support and enable it. We have amazing people involved at the Zone and Netball Centres with administrators, players, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents and whānau dedicating

their time, expertise and aroha to Netball – week in week out. Every one of you plays a vital role bringing the game we love to where it is today.

It is important to recognise and acknowledge those in our Netball community who have passed away this year, including our beloved Life Member Monica Leggat, who gave so much to Netball – one of the true jewels in New Zealand’s crown. Our thoughts go out to the families of Sandra Easterbrook, Silver Fern No. 41 and Julie Murray, NNZ Service holder, who also passed away.

I would like to acknowledge the Netball New Zealand Board led by Allison Ferguson and the Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie and her team. These talented and inspirational people are completely devoted to advancing and future proofing Netball in New Zealand.

My first year as President has been wonderful, and I thank you for supporting me in this role. I feel incredibly privileged and honoured to work for and with the most passionate and generous people across all facets of our sport.

Ngā mihi nui.

Carole Maddix, MNZM Netball NEW ZEALAND PRESIDENT