The Te Tai Poutini partnership was first established in 2023 when the West Coast, Hokitika and Buller Netball Centres recognised a lack in opportunity for our talented older age group players to represent their regions at the higher level, also seeing the potential opportunities of development for umpires and coaches. Pooling resources together along with support from Netball Mainland and Netball New Zealand opened up excellent new pathways for our local players, coaches and umpires which is going strength to strength each year.

In 2024 we saw the first combined Te Tai Poutini team attend the Under 18 Netball Nationals competing against some of the most talented players in the country. This team was lead by Coach Gina Beal and Managers of Lyndall Prendergast and Tineke Wyatt who took our side to Dunedin gaining invaluable experience at this higher tier of netball that was not previously an option for our age group teams.

This year we once again have this team in action at the Under 18 Nationals this time taking place in Auckland on the 7th-10th July. Across the three centres 15 players were selected into the squad, 12 of which will be attending the tournament. These players have been putting in a lot of work and travel with a players driving 1hour+ to attend the weekly trainings. These trainings saw them come together as a team, training technical ball work and skills, along with fitness training and testing with the guidance of Brogan Jackson. Having a specific trainer like Brogan is invaluable, he has a great knowledge of what netballers need has been very important to prepare the team with fitness testing, strength training, mobility, along with pre / post stretching and recovery. 

This team has a huge amount of support from the local community in Greymouth, Hokitika and Westport with many businesses getting behind this team to attend such a prestigious event. Without the support of our community these players would not have this opportunity and we are so grateful for their support.

Travelling team: 

West Coast Netball - Aamaria Beal, Bella Masters, Breanna Turnbull, Isabelle Maiava, Phoebe Marris, Lead McDowell

Buller Netball - Hemione Richards

Hokitika Netball - Ani Mason, Ella Wilson, Jorja Kyle, Lissy Inglis, Sophie Soutar

Head Coach: Gina Beal

Assistance Coach: Lyndall Prendergast

Managers: Kym Marris and Kelly Kyle

Trainer: Brogan Jackson

Article added: Wednesday 04 June 2025