Hawke's Bay Netball's (HBN) General Manager was thrilled to attend on behalf of the organisation the Netball New Zealand (NNZ) AGM and Council Meeting over Saturday and Sunday.  The meeting was held in Christchurch and coincided with the anniversary of the tragic earthquake nine years earlier.  

This was an opportunity to network with other centres, share best practice and hear the latest NNZ, as well as attend workshops of interest around funding, volunteers and the Youth Strategy.  NNZ released information on the brand new strategic plan "Connecting and Inspiring Netball Communities through Netball".  This will be a huge help in forming the direction of the HBN Strategic Plan moving forward.  One of the key messages is around being innovative, trying new things, be flexible and cater to the needs of your community.  This is a direction HBN has been taking for some time now so great to have the backing of our national body.

Netball New Zealand Board

Tina was pleased to catch up with Georgia Trent who is a representative on the NNZ Youth Board and previous HBN Junior Umpire of the Year, member of the HB Umpire Development Group and player and student from Woodford House.  Georgia played a very active role during the two days involved in co-presenting, leading focus groups and generally ensuring the youth voice was heard.  Georgia is now living in Dunedin while she is studying and is a huge asset for NNZ, so watch this space.

Georgia Trent presenting with Dame Louis Muir and NNZ CEO Jennie Wyllie

Charissa Barham was also in attendance as the Youth Strategy Manager for NNZ.  Charissa delivered a very informative workshop on the Youth Engagement and Retention Strategy.  There are lots of exciting initiatives in this space that HBN look forwad to being involved in.

Charissa Barham presenting the Youth Engagement Strategy

One of the major highlights of the two days was the network function on the Saturday evening where World Cup Gold Medal Silver Ferns Coach - Dame Noeline Taurua was a guest speaker.  What an inspirational leader she is and it was great to see all the silverware on show.

Tina taking the opportunity for a picture with Dame Noeline Taurua

To view a copy of the NNZ 2019 Annual Report Click here

Article added: Sunday 23 February 2020