ABOUT US

Inspiring Growth, Passion, and Community Through Netball!


Whangārei Netball Centre is one of 16 netball centres within the Northern Zone, which stretches from Waiuku in the south to Mangonui (Kaitaia) in the north.

We run a winter netball competition from May to the end of August for Junior, Intermediate, College and Senior grades. In the off-season, we offer Social Netball for Women’s, Mixed, and Intermediate players, featuring both Fast5 and traditional formats.

Located at Kensington Park, Whangārei Netball Centre boasts 12 courts, with an additional four courts open to the public during the season. Our competitions run on:

  • Monday, Thursday, and Saturday: Junior, Intermediate, College, and Senior grades

  • Friday: Premier & College Premier Competition

  • Weeknights (after work hours): Social Twilight, including Fast5 and Mixed.

We support players of all levels—from Year 1 to Year 8 through the Netball NZ FutureFERNS programme, and College & Senior players, from social to Premier levels.

Whangārei Netball Centre is committed to player, umpire, coach, and official development, offering pathways, workshops, and training opportunities for those looking to grow their skills at both community and competitive levels.

HISTORY

Netball in Whangārei has a rich history, dating back to when the Whangārei Basketball Association played on courts at Whangārei Girls’ High School and Whangārei Primary School. Originally played as nine-a-side basketball, the game moved to its current location at Kensington Park in April 1949. In 1975, a new concrete block pavilion was built, carefully positioned to accommodate the Racing Track barriers. 

In the early 1970s, the name changed to Whangārei Netball Association as the game transitioned to the seven-a-side format. The current building was officially opened on 12 April 1990, with modifications made to the previous structure, including an additional floor. Today, Whangārei Netball owns the building, which sits on leased land from the Whangārei District Council. 

WNC has been part of various governing structures over time. It was originally affiliated with the Northland Netball Association, which included teams from Mangōnui (Kaitaia), Bay of Islands (Kaikohe), Hokianga, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Northern Wairoa (Dargaville), and Otamatea.

In 2000, Netball New Zealand restructured, forming Netball North, which covered the region from Kaitaia to Netball North Harbour. The most recent restructure by Netball New Zealand expanded the region’s coverage from Kaitaia to Waiuku.

In 2016, Netball Whangārei transitioned from an Executive Committee to a Board structure, ensuring a modern governance approach that continues to support the growth and development of netball in the region.

STRATEGY

The Whangārei Netball Centre (WNC) is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and sustainable netball hub that nurtures our community. Our mission is to deliver programs and events that promote netball's growth and sustainability in Northland. This includes providing a fit-for-purpose facility, encouraging healthy whānau through accessible participation, offering pathways to develop netball skills and leadership, and promoting respectful sporting behavior to build resilience among our people.

Our strategic principles focus on cultivating an inclusive culture, creating open pathways to grow the game, maintaining a suitable facility, ensuring effective communication, securing sustainable funding, and implementing robust risk management practices. These principles guide our efforts to support players, coaches, umpires, and officials at all levels, from grassroots to elite, ensuring that netball continues to thrive in our community.

To measure our success, we focus on key performance areas, including Participation & Pathways, ensuring opportunities for all players, coaches, and officials to grow and develop. People & Culture emphasises building a positive and inclusive environment. Competitions & Events ensures we deliver well-organised and engaging netball experiences. Facilities & Infrastructure focuses on maintaining high-quality playing and training environments. Sustainability & Growth secures long-term financial stability and strategic partnerships, and Governance & Leadership ensures strong decision-making and operational excellence.


Why is a Strategy Important?

A strong strategy provides a clear vision and actionable plan for the future of our Centre. It guides decision-making, sets realistic goals, and ensures resources are used effectively to support community growth, enhance experiences, and uphold the Centre’s values. A well-defined strategy helps create an environment where players, coaches, officials, and supporters can thrive, ensuring the continued development of netball in our region.

OUR PEOPLE

STAFF

  • General Manager - Keri Clendon 
  • Operations Manager - Kelly Boase 
  • NetballSmart Centre Activator - Estelle Dobbs
  • Buisness Support - Katie Parker 


PATRON

  • Jean Hansen​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


BOARD

  • Sue Robertson
  • Jacqui Hori-Hoult
  • Derek Wall
  • Mike Procter 
  • Chris Mason 

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LIFE MEMBERS

Senior Netball          

  • Rayma Gunson         
  • Jean Hansen         
  • Annette Bradley

Junior Netball         

  • Colleen Breslin         
  • Rosalie Beazley         
  • Anne Muir