Zones
WAIBOP Matarau closed out their 2025 season in style, securing a well deserved 64–56 victory over Southern Blast in Invercargill. Despite technical issues at the score bench causing confusion between the stadium scoreboard and Champion Data stats - only resolved three quarters into the game - the team stayed composed and focused throughout.
Coming into their last game of the regular season, the equation couldn't be more clear-cut for Central Manawa who need a win to cement their spot in the Synergy Hair Netball League (NNL) grand final.
On Monday 16th June, Mangere Otahuhu Netball Centre was buzzing as eight passionate coaches came together for a fun and inspiring session with Brian Keepa, Coach Development Officer at Netball Northern. These coaches are all working towards their Community Coaching Award 2 (CCA2), and this time the focus was on the art of shooting.
At Netball Northern, we're proud to stand behind Love Their Game; a Kaupapa led by Aktive Sport and Recreation Auckland, embraced by sports across our Zone. At its heart, Love Their Game is all about creating positive, enjoyable sports experiences for everyone involved players, coaches, umpires, whānau, and fans alike.
Earlier this year, Centres across the Northern Zone welcomed the return of the netball season with a series of vibrant Netball is Back Give it a Go (GIAG) Days, designed to introduce young players to the sport and energise returning FutureFERNS.
Getting players to warm up properly in social netball competitions has always been a challenge. Despite efforts to promote its importance, many teams still opt to arrive just in time for the first whistle, skipping warm-ups entirely. But a recent visit to Auckland Netball Centre has sparked change.
WAIBOP Matarau hit the court for a must win fourth round, but a shaky start made the challenge steeper. A high error first quarter saw Matarau trail 20–7 at the first break
Thanks for being a Love Their Game Champion!
Love Their Game Champions help shift the culture of sport from ‘win-at-all-costs’ to ‘love-it-for-life’. In netball, they’re key to keeping our young players, staff and volunteers engaged, supported, and loving their game.
A Love Their Game Champion is a:
Role Model: Demonstrates calm, respectful, and encouraging behaviour both on and off the court, setting the tone for others.
Connector: Builds awareness of the importance of creating safe, fun, and inclusive spaces for young players by engaging whānau, coaches, umpires, and spectators.
Advocate: Champions the core Love Their Game messages - focusing on enjoyment, development, and long-term love of sport over short-term results or pressure.
Educator: Helps their Centre or community understand why positive behaviour matters, using tools, messaging, or personal conversations to promote change.
Supporter of Young People: Keeps the voices and experiences of tamariki and rangatahi at the heart of everything they do.
Supporter of Netball Personnel: Recognises and values the contribution of coaches, umpires, volunteers, and administrators - encouraging respect and kindness toward all who make the game possible.
Check out these handy resources to support you and other Champions across the region:
- Car ride home conversations - Waiuku Netball Centre
- Champions words of encouragement - Northern Zone
- Conversation Starters - Northern Zone
- What is fun in youth sports - Good Sports Aktive
For more information, head to https://www.lovetheirgame.org.nz/