Ann Hay
CEO
Introducing Ann Hay, our CEO. Ann's journey with The Zone began in 2018 as Umpire Lead, in August 2021 she took on the additional responsibility of Community Relationship Manager, further expanding her impact within our organization.
Ann has an extensive background having served as NDO, Regional Manager, Board member and Chair with Netball Wellington Region. Ann boasts a rich coaching history across schools, clubs, and representative teams bringing a wealth of experience to our team. Her commitment to grassroots development coupled with her deep-seated passion for community engagement, uniquely position her to strengthen our ties within the community.
As a retired international and national squad umpire, Ann's involvement in high performance umpiring provides insights into high performance environments to support the performance arm of the Zone.
Lenore Anderson
Office Manager & Finance.
Lenore joined Netball Central Zone in March 2013 as the Finance Administrator and has brought tremendous enthusiasm to the role. She has plenty of experience of working in netball, having previously been employed by the Netball Wellington Region between 2000 and 2005, and is delighted to once again be involved with netball in the Zone.
Waimarama Taumaunu
Director of High Performance
Wai joined Netball Central Zone as Director of High Performance in 2016.
The former Silver Ferns captain and coach has carved out a strong netball pedigree across all facets of the game over the last 30 years and now turns her hand to helping foster the next generation of talent in her home region. Wai will work closely across the Central Pulse and Beko teams as well as Centre representative level while providing support to the various deliverers in these areas.
Wai’s vision in the long-term is working towards creating a home-grown Pulse team that wins. Wai sees her role as ensuring that we have a seamless and effective pathway for players that extends from their local Centres right up to the Pulse.’
Wai has twice been honoured for her services to netball, receiving a MBE in 1992 and an ONZM last year and was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1996.
Dr. Carla van der Merwe (PhD)
NetballSmart Development Officer
Carla is a sport scientist with a particular interest in biomechanics and injury prevention. Prior to immigrating to New Zealand, she was a coach, facilitator, and mentor in sport as well as the health and fitness industry.
In New Zealand, Carla completed her PhD in sports biomechanics at Massey University in 2021 focusing on preventing lower limb injuries in female athletes. She is passionate about sharing evidence-based knowledge to empower participants to confidently apply best practice and reduce their risk of serious injury.
Jill Clapcott
Pulse Operations and Team Manager
Jill joins the Central Pulse as Team Manager in October 2019, following over 18 years experience in the Team /Operations area including 2019 Northern Comets, 2017 World Champion NZ U21, NZ A, NZ Secondary Schools to name a few.
Jill is responsible for all off-court requirements for the team including travel and logistics for ANZ Premiership matches, trainings and activities, game management, player schedules, management of player promotional requirements with sponsors/community, player/coach management support, coordinating/supporting service support staff and financial management of the team budget.
John Atkins
Emerging Talent Lead
John joined Netball Central Zone in March 2022 in the new role of Emerging Talent Lead. The purpose of this role is to lead and implement NCZ's Talent Development plan, from Centre age group level to the NNL team, helping to produce a large pool of quality players and coaches.
John initially became involved in coaching netball via his 3 daughters and has been involved with;
- Central Manawa Assistant Coach 2020 - 2022
- Netball Manawatu Rep Coach (Y7, Y8, U17, U19, NPC) 2006 - 2021
- Massey University Club Coach 2008 - present
John's involvement in netball from primary school level through to High Performance with the NNL team, gives him a wide range of experience to draw on and assist others to attain their goals.
Rebecca Huddleston
NetballSmart Development Officer
Becs joined Netball Central Zone at the beginning of 2025 as the NetballSmart Development Officer. Through targeted programmes and initiatives, she supports centres to develop and embed effective NetballSmart strategies and practices that enhance performance while reducing the risk of injury. A key focus of her role is working closely with our Central Zone communities to deliver NetballSmart principles to coaches, players, parents, and umpires in engaging and practical ways.
With previous experience as a Netball Development Officer and NetballSmart Activator, Becs brings a wealth of knowledge in community engagement and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on prioritising player wellbeing and welfare. Based in Manawatu, she is passionate about building strong relationships and creating safe, supportive environments that allow netball communities to thrive.
Liana Leota
Game Development Lead
Netball has shaped who I am, both on and off the court. I was born in Taihape and from a young age I loved the skill and connection that the game brings. Over time, that passion turned into a professional career that allowed me to represent my country, compete internationally and now give back to the sport through coaching.
Transitioning into coaching felt like a natural next step. I’ve always been curious about the “why” behind performance and team culture. In the UK, I worked within the England Roses environment as a Technical Coach and also served as Director of Netball for Leeds Rhinos Netball. These roles challenged me to grow as a leader and think beyond individual performance to programme development and long-term success. Returning home to New Zealand, I’ve had the privilege of coaching with the Southern Steel and the Central Pulse, and contributing within the Silver Ferns coaching space.
I’m excited to be joining Netball Central in the Game Development space. This role allows me to give back to the sport at a grassroots and pathway level, helping grow participation, support coaches and create positive experiences for our communities across the region. After many years in high-performance environments, I’m passionate about strengthening the foundations of the game — ensuring young athletes and coaches are skilled and educated with knowledge and communities feel connected, supported, and inspired. Being part of Game Development is about building the future of netball and helping the next generation fall in love with the game just as I did.
Emma Mulhern
Relationship Manager
Emma joined Netball Central Zone in 2025 and brings a wealth of experience in community and sport. Before immigrating to New Zealand in 2014, she worked as a Community Physiotherapist. In New Zealand, Emma completed her Master’s degree at Massey University in 2023, focusing on Male Allyship and Gender Equity for Women High Performance Coaches in New Zealand.
Her background in sport, governance, and community engagement drives her passion for the positive social impact sport, and in particular netball, can deliver. Emma’s vision is for a highly connected and collaborative Central Zone that nurtures players of all abilities, fostering a lifelong love for the game, and one that empowers coaches to create environments where players thrive and remain engaged for life.
Arama Jackson
Umpire and Bench Development Lead
Ko Whakapunake te maunga
Ko Ruakituri te awa
Ko Takitimu te waka
Ko Te Aitanga o Pourangahua te hapu
Ko Pourangahua te Tangata
Ko Erepetiu te Marae
Ko Ngati Kahungunu te Iwi
For me, netball has always been more than just a game — it’s a passion. Now serving as the Umpire and Bench Official Lead at Netball Central Zone, I bring my experience both on and off the court.
Joining Netball Central in February 2024, I stepped into the role with a deep understanding of the sport, shaped by years as a player, administrator, and official. My journey in netball began as a player, most notably representing the Northern Mystics Men’s team in 2023 and Central Men in 2025. However, my passion for the game extended beyond playing, leading me to become a New Zealand Umpire — a role that allows me to contribute to the game from a different perspective.
Before taking on my current role, I built a strong foundation in sports administration. I worked with Sport Hawke’s Bay and Hawke’s Bay Netball, first as a Development Coordinator and later as a Communications Administrator. These roles gave me invaluable experience in supporting and growing the game at the community and regional levels.
Now, as a leader in umpiring and bench officiating, I am committed to developing officials, ensuring high standards, and fostering a strong officiating culture within the Netball Central Zone. My unique perspective, having been both a player and an official, allows me to support umpires and bench officials in a way that enhances their confidence, skill, and enjoyment of the game.