Zones
NetballSmart has been hard at work in the lead-up to the season, delivering workshops across a wide range of schools, centres, clubs, and teams. It has been a great opportunity to connect with so many players and help them get game-ready.
Netball courts across the Northern Zone were buzzing with energy as Centres welcomed young people and families to Give It a Go Days, an exciting way to mark the start of the netball season and open registrations.
Our community coaches have been busy, and the results are inspiring! Over the past couple of months, coaches have upskilled through the Netball New Zealand Community Coach Awards, preparing to hit the 2026 season stronger than ever.
Netball Northern is proud to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding service of individuals whose dedication and leadership continue to strengthen netball across our communities. The Netball Northern Zone Service Awards and Netball New Zealand Service Awards and recognise those who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the netball, both on and off the court.
We’re excited to unveil the Northern Marvels team for the 2026 season – a dynamic group of athletes ready to represent the Northern Marvels with pride, intensity, and a relentless commitment to development.
Building on their successful history, Central Manawa have named an exciting blend of experience and rising young talent in their squad of 12 for the 2026 National Netball League (NNL).
Fitness Testing
To perform at the highest standard and proudly wear the Netball New Zealand (NNZ) umpire badge, umpires are expected to maintain a strong level of fitness. The Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test is used nationally to ensure umpires are physically prepared to keep up with the speed and demands of the modern game.
A current Yo-Yo test result is required for umpires who wish to attend national tournaments or be awarded or re-endorsed at any NNZ badge level.
Across the WBOP Zone we have a network of Accredited Yo-Yo Facilitators who can support centres in running fitness testing sessions. If your centre requires assistance with facilitating a test, please reach out, we are here to help ensure all umpires have the opportunity to meet the required standards.
Fitness Testing Deadlines
Fitness testing must be completed within two weeks prior to the following deadlines, with results submitted to the Zone by the listed date:
- 15 March
- 1 June
- 1 August – for umpires wishing to attend NZ Open Championships
- 1 September
Minimum Yo-Yo Test Standards
| Umpire Level | Yo-Yo Test Level | Fitness Test Deadline |
|---|---|---|
|
Umpires selected by the NNZ Umpire Selectors for the NZ Open Championships |
15.1 |
1 August each year |
|
Umpires selected by the NNZ Umpire Selectors for the NZ Secondary Schools Championships |
14.5 |
1 September each year |
|
All umpires applying for NZ U18 Championships |
14.5 |
1 June each year |
|
Umpires prior to screening for NZ B or NZ C (including endorsement) |
14.3 |
Within two weeks of the most recent fitness testing deadline |
|
All other umpires (recommended) |
13.2 |
N/A |
All umpires wishing to be appointed to NNZ events must provide current Yo-Yo test results in line with the requirements above. A result is considered current if it has been achieved within two weeks of the relevant fitness testing deadline.
Maintaining fitness is an important part of an umpire’s preparation. It supports strong positioning, consistent decision-making, and the ability to officiate confidently throughout the entire match.
2026 National Umpire Appointments
The National Umpire Squad for 2026 features 10 experienced and emerging umpires, all of whom have previously officiated in the ANZ Premiership environment. The group brings a powerful blend of international experience, high performance knowledge, and rising talent who continue to develop within New Zealand’s elite officiating pathway.
Netball WBOP Zone is excited to celebrate the announcement of the following group of officials:
Tania Fink – National Umpire Squad
Jan Teesdale – National Squad Umpire Coach
Pam Clayton – Umpire Performance Reviewer
Alongside the National Umpire Squad, Netball New Zealand is also introducing a new development programme for emerging performance officials, with the launch of the Kake Umpire Squad.
The Kake Umpire Squad replaces the previous NNZ Watchlist programme and represents the next generation of performance umpires and umpire coaches across Aotearoa.
Kake, pronounced kah-keh, is a te reo Māori verb meaning to climb, to ascend, or to rise. The name reflects umpires who are on a journey of development, steadily climbing toward the highest levels of performance and professionalism within New Zealand netball officiating.
Congratulations to Netball WBOP officials:
Connor Pascoe – Kake Umpire Squad
Keni Kingi – Kake Umpire Training Partner
Ceri Hills – Kake Umpire Squad Cadet Coach