Brimming with energy, experience and a shared commitment to growing the men’s game, Central Zone Men’s Netball have assembled a well-credentialled coaching and management group to lead their programme for the 2026 season.
Following a successful inaugural year in 2025, which included a first for the Zone when the Central Men’s team participated in the annual Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse pre-season tournament in Ōtaki, the programme remains focused on strengthening and building on all facets of the men’s game.
Leading the on-court programme is head coach Ali Colledge. Hailing from Lower Hutt, Colledge has been involved in men’s netball since 2018, beginning her coaching journey with the Wellington Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (WMMNA). She has led the WMMNA Men’s A team since 2022, guiding the programme to national success and establishing the team as the current NZMMNA Men’s National Champions.
Colledge comes armed with a history of success and a relentless drive to keep lifting standards. She is passionate about building winning environments that are grounded in strong fundamentals, clarity and connection. With a deep respect for the men’s game and a long-standing commitment to strengthening pathways for male athletes, Colledge is focused on growing depth, visibility and ongoing excellence across the Central Zone.
"Stepping into the head coach role for 2026, I am excited to build on existing momentum and push the programme forward with ambition, confidence, and intent," she said.
Supporting the on-court programme is assistant coach, Ponifasio Smith.
With over 30 years of experience in netball as a player, coach and administrator, Smith adds a deep knowledge of the game and a strong commitment to high-performance environments that are inclusive, values-led and player-focused. Raised in Wainuiomata, Smith’s lifelong connection to netball has shaped his involvement across all levels of the game.
Smith has contributed to the sport through Ulalei Netball Club, the Netball Wellington Centre representative programme, Wellington Men’s netball, St Mary’s College and the indoor format of the game. His breadth of experience and grounding in community and culture make him a trusted support within the coaching group and a key contributor to athlete development.
Supporting the coaching team is manager Ellen Miles, who brings a people-first approach to leadership, underpinned by a strong background in high-performance sport. A current WMMNA A manager, with over 10 years’ experience managing top-level teams across the Wellington region, she is committed to creating environments where players and coaches can thrive both on and off the court.
The vision for Central Zone Men’s Netball is to build a programme that is visible and aspirational, growing participation while lifting performance standards across the Zone.
At its core is a clear, connected pathway for men and boys, from grassroots through to high-performance environments. This includes strengthening relationships with centres, communities and men’s associations and their teams while ensuring players feel supported, proud and mana-enhanced through their involvement.
Key goals for 2026 include:
- Building a strong, values-led culture where connection, accountability and pride sit alongside performance.
- Growing participation and visibility across the Zone, celebrating the diversity of players, roles and pathways within men’s netball.
- Developing depth and capability through aligned coaching, athlete development and support structures.
This approach aligns with the wider strategic direction for men’s netball, balancing participation growth with performance excellence, while staying grounded in community and whanaungatanga.
"Our goal is to build something that lasts," Netball Central Director of High Performance / Kanohi Kai Tiketike, Waimarama Taumaunu said. "That is, a programme players believe in, that reflects who we are as a Zone and where men’s netball is heading."
The Central Men’s schedule and match details for 2026 will be released in the coming weeks.
Trials for the 2026 Central Zone Men’s team will be held on:
- Date: Saturday, February 14
- Location: Ākau Tangi, Wellington
- Time: 9am – 2pm
Players interested in trialling are encouraged to register via this registration form . This is an exciting opportunity for athletes ready to commit, grow and represent the Zone with pride.
Follow the journey, behind-the-scenes and updates across our socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/netball_central
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Netball-Central-Zone/100063850501418/