Zones
Round 1: Game 1
WAIBOP Matarau vs Central Manawa
Saturday 10th May
After a smooth flight into Palmerston North, the Matarau girls arrived eager and energised to open their season against a strong Central Manawa side. With clear game plans in place and the team buzzing with anticipation, they hit the court with purpose and passion.
With a challenging shorter season in front of them, Central Manawa are focused on delivering a productive start in their Synergy Hair Netball League (NNL) opener against Waikato Bay of Plenty in Palmerston North on Saturday.
Looking to build on a rich legacy, Central Manawa have named an exciting blend of experience and up-and-coming talent in their squad of 12 for the 2025 National Netball League (NNL).
Love Their Game is a sideline and education initiative to ensure everyone, but especially our young people, have enjoyable, quality sporting experiences.
Born from Good Sports and Balance is Better Philosophies, Love Their Game focuses on the importance of positive behaviour messaging through a fun, engaging and inspiring approach.
Netball Northern has created a kete of tools taking Love Their Game and “netball’ising” it to meet the needs of our Centres and their members.
With so many resources and information available, this webpage offers Centres a one-stop-shop to access external resources and links, and the Northern Zone campaign assets.
Aktive’s Love Their Game talks to how sports unite us, but emotions can run high. Let’s promote respect, resilience, and sportsmanship. Ben O’Keefe, Rugby union referee says “Love Their Game is about turning good feelings into good behaviors and ensuring we’re all doing our bit to support our young people’s growth, belonging and future through sport and physical activity”
Northern Zone is excited to bring Centres the following initiatives.
- “You’re a Champion” Cards
- A series of 5 cards containing key positive behaviour messaging is a simple way to engage members in learning what good looks like in sport.
- Find your centres digital resource here
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Activation ideas
- Social Media Campaign
- Aligned with Netball NZ’s Good Sports campaign Northern Zone’s goes one step further with Love Their Game branding on a series of 6 super engaging social media clips
- Provision of media files are available for Centres to download and utilise on their social media channels when it fits with their communications plan – find your resources here
- Northern Zone Facebook and Instagram channels will post twice monthly over May, June, July for those Centres that simply wish to “share” on their own channels.
- PA Messaging for Centres
- Our Mystics and Stars players, and Netball NZ Youth Board Members, have some simple messages that reinforce the overall campaign, which can play over your Centre loud speakers
- Find the media files here
- Each Centre has their own well known and loved “celebrities” – get them on the mic with Champion Card messaging!
- Centre Information Flyer
- A simple one pager with all the key messages and link to this website for your clubs and schools. Find the files here.
- Special information on the reverse page gives Top Tips on conversation starters when needed
External Resources
Netball NZ Good Sports: https://netballnz.co.nz/netball-nz/community/good-sports.html
Aktive Love Their Game: https://www.lovetheirgame.org.nz/
Aktive Good Sports: https://aktive.org.nz/Participation/Sport-Development/Good-Sports
Sport NZ – Balance is Better: https://balanceisbetter.org.nz/
A huge congratulations to Jan Teesdale, Dorothy Carr, and Belinda Clark!
The number of students playing netball at secondary school level is on the rise in the Netball Central Zone.
Highlighting its success in developing and producing young talent, Netball Central has continued to lead the way with a strong representation of those aspiring to gain selection in the 2025 NZ Secondary Schools (NZSS) team.
Netball Northern is delighted to announce the re-signing of 2024 Northern Marvels Coaches, Melissa Bessell and Ripeka Pirie for the 2025 season, albeit with a slight twist.