This week we have reflected on the remarkable contribution of Ethna Rouse to women’s sport in Christchurch. Ethna is part of a brave group of women who paved the way for opportunities in women’s sport across Aotearoa.

Ethna was a much-loved Life Member of St Nicholas Netball Club, which she helped establish in 1950. She was also a Life Member of Christchurch Netball Centre, player, coach and umpire. Her outstanding service to sport touched the lives of many across our netball, cricket and tennis communities.

Ethna received a Christchurch Civic Award in 2002 and was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in the 2004 New Year Honours list, for community service to sport. In 2007 she was named National Winner in the Volunteer Coach of the Year Awards, in recognition of her coaching success in cricket, netball and tennis.
Ethna was part of the women’s World Cup-winning cricket team in 1973, and she scored a century against England. At that time, very few New Zealand women’s sports teams had ever achieved that level of success.
A celebration of Ethna's life will be held at John Rhind Funeral Home in Christchurch on Tuesday 13 June at 1pm.

We extend our sincere condolences to Ethna’s extended family and friends at this time. In memory of Ethna, St Nicholas Netball Club will be wearing black arm bands this weekend. A minute’s silence will be observed on court before the St Nicholas A team game at St Margarets College at 9.30 am and the St Nicholas B team game on CC at 11.20 am. 
❤️🤍🖤

Article added: Friday 09 June 2023