Centre Connect Highlights

On Sunday 30 March, Netball Northern held it’s first Centre Connect for 2025.

For those unable to attend, here is the summary and highlights of topics discussed, with slides and resources attached:

1. Membership project

• Stacey Klysz from NNZ gave an overview of the work NNZ been doing to date on the membership project (info attached).
• We broke into groups to discuss pros and cons of each model.
• Findings attached.

2. Facilities

• Phil gave an update on the National Netball Facility Review and the Auckland Region Netball Facility plan (slides 8-15). NNZ have updated the timeframes for the National Netball Facility Strategy to take advantage of additional 2025 membership data which will provide greater insight to inform the Strategy. Targeting July for the availability of a draft strategy which you will have the opportunity to provide feedback on

3. Umpire Advisory Working Group Update

• Sharleen gave an update on the progress with the Umpire Advisory Working Group. Please see attached summary. As every centre is different, we recommend you have a payment guideline in your regulations (if applicable). Please contact Sharleen for support Umpire@netballnorthern.co.nz. Thank you to all those who have been part of the working group.  

4. Targeted Participation Projects Update

• Outlined in Fortnightly Operations – Topic 2.

5. Good Sports Working Group Update

• Karyne and Kylie presented the project back to the group. This season will see champion cards to give out at centres, a social media campaign, PA system pre-recorded messages, club/school and coach developer 1-pager, and a Love Their Game page on the Netball Northern website to hold resources. Slides and audio bites attached.
• More information will be sent out to Centres soon.

6. Q & A Panel with Northern Mystics

• Claire facilitated a panel session with Head Coach Tia Winikerei, and players Hannah Glen and Katie Te Ao. We heard about their experiences in netball, and how their backgrounds shaped who they are and how they engage with netball. They also shared their experiences with sideline behaviour and encouraged centres to support young players and young umpires.

Contact: Claire.beuvink@netballnorthern.co.nz

Umpire Exams – Zone Theory Registrations Open

The NNZ Zone Theory Exam is the next step for umpires who hold a current Centre Umpire Award and are looking to attain their Zone Umpire Award.

Registrations for the first NNZ Zone Theory Exam to be held on Monday 19^th May between 6-8.30pm, are now open. Registrations will close midnight on 28^th April and no late registrations are permitted.

Payment and practise exam details will be sent on Friday 2nd May. Final exam details will be sent to those who have been approved to sit exam on Friday 16th May.

To register, click here.

When registering for the exam, please ensure they have entered their Netball Centre so they can be approved by the Zone.

Exams cost $55 and payment details will be sent to applicants to pay online after registrations have closed. If their Netball Centre is paying for them, this can be done in one payment directly to Netball New Zealand, details will be in the payment email.  

Please note important information from the Community Umpiring Guidelines:

• Registrations must be completed by the closing date. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted. Don’t leave registering until the last day!
• Candidates must sit their exam without help from another person unless use of a reader-writer or other special conditions have been authorised.

For school students – use a personal instead of a school email address to register for Sport Tutor so you can still access the account you they leave school. Candidates should also enter their netball centre, rather than their school or club so that you can be approved by the Zone.

Contact: Umpire@netballnorthern.co.nz