Our History

The story of Marlins Netball began in 1999, when a group of wāhine who played for the Manurewa Rugby Club started spending time at the Marlins Rugby League Club. Among them was Manu Rhind, whose husband Richie was a club member and masseuse for the Premier League team. Conversations around the club sparked an idea: why not create a netball club that shared the same values of whānau and community as Marlins Rugby League?

By 2000, that idea became reality. The Manurewa Marlins Netball Club was officially formed and registered its first teams at Papakura Netball Centre. In those early years, the club relied on the generosity and support of its community, with fundraising and grants gradually taking over from personal contributions. The foundation was laid for what would become one of the most respected netball clubs in the Counties Manukau region.

As the years passed, Marlins grew in strength and reputation. The club quickly made its mark, winning its first major tournament title at Kurangaituku in Rotorua in 2004, and then claiming the inaugural RPL League championship in 2006. These successes reflected not only the talent on court but also the commitment behind the scenes to build a club that nurtured players and created opportunities for all.

In 2008, after eight years of leadership, founding President Manu Rhind stepped down, and the baton was passed to Tracey Stowers, who led the club through a new era focused on junior and representative development. Under her guidance, Marlins became a hub for young talent, with many players progressing to higher levels of competition.

A major turning point came in 2016, when Marlins became an Incorporated Society under the leadership of Tracy Walters. This milestone gave the club independence and opened doors to funding opportunities that would sustain growth for years to come. It was a bold step forward, ensuring Marlins could continue to provide affordable fees, quality uniforms, and strong support for players and officials.

By 2019, leadership transitioned to Liz Hogan, who brought a renewed focus on culture, connection, and competitive success. Under Liz’s tenure, Marlins expanded its reach, fielding teams across all grades and continuing to dominate at the top levels. The club’s reputation for excellence and whānau spirit became its defining feature.

A Legacy Honoured

In 2023, only weeks after Manu Rhind passed away, the club introduced the Te Tohu Rangatira a Manu Rhind Award to recognise outstanding contribution and performance. What made this moment truly special was that Manu herself was consulted and wholeheartedly agreed with the first recipient: Tori Harris.

Tori had been part of Marlins for most of her 22 years at that time, not only as a player but also as an umpire and representative athlete. She embodied the values Manu believed in—commitment, talent, and service to the club. Tori was also Manu’s goddaughter, making this award deeply personal and symbolic of the whānau spirit that defines Marlins Netball.

A Huge Milestone

In 2025, Marlins celebrated 25 years of netball with a formal event at Weymouth Cossie Club. This milestone was more than a party—it was a tribute to the people, the passion, and the perseverance that shaped the club. The evening honoured past and present members and reaffirmed the values that have carried Marlins through a quarter of a century.

From humble beginnings to a thriving community, Marlins Netball has always been about more than sport. It’s about belonging, growth, and pride. For 25 years, we’ve created a space where players of all ages can thrive, supported by coaches, managers, and volunteers who give their time and heart to the game.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari kē he toa takitini.
Success is not the work of one, but the work of many.