As 2025 comes to a close, we can reflect on some of the outstanding achievements and contributions from the people who represent 'Team WBOP'.

Our Umpires , Bench Officials, Umpire Coaches, and Umpire Coach Developers continue to set high standards of personal growth and work ethic in their chosen space which is reflected in the recognition achieved by so many, and our people have been in the spotlight at International, National, and Regional levels.

International

Tania Fink was appointed to umpire at the World Youth Tournament in Gibraltar, a pinnacle event on the International Calendar   - seen here being acknowledged by Dame Liz Nichol – President of World Netball 

Bench Officials

Bench Official Co-ordinator, Belinda Clark, has again lead a strong team with appointments to all National Events on the 2025 calendar. Belinda has also been at the forefront with providing training opportunities for new Bench Officials in our Centres.
 
One highlight being the recognition of Cherie Gill and Warren Beck who were appointed to the Final of NZSS with both gaining National Qualifications,

Umpires 

Following on from a successful 2024 season, our team again were appointed to every NNZ National event. Some highlights included Joanie Coles appointed to Men’s Final at NNZ U18 Champs, Keni Kingi appointed to Final at NZSS, and Connor Pascoe appointed to 3v4 match at NNZ Open Champs.

Umpire Coaches

Our Community Umpire coaches have again been recognised with Ceri Hills as Watch list coach as well as appointment to the Coaching Panel at NZU18 Champs  

UNISS 

This event continues to be to be a highlight for our umpires , umpire coaches, and umpire coach developers, with over 40 umpires and 6 umpire coaches taking part and gaining enormous growth in a huge learning environment.

North Island Junior Champs

The Taranaki North Island Junior Champs again provided learning opportunities for our umpires and coaches 

Development and Collaboration 

Highlights have been the opportunity for umpires and umpire coaches to work with our Pathways team at Magic in the Making development days, where our umpires could check their fitness levels alongside pathway players and (I might say) completed these very well. 

Our developing coaches also had opportunities to hone their coaching and workshop delivery skills 

Coach Developer Forum 

A highlight on our calendar where this year we had the one and only Josh Bowriing as guest speaker , bringing his lived experience in growing resilience  

Another year done and dusted , so to close ,I would like us to pause and remember why we do this . Its about whanau and friendship . Our PVO days held across the Motu  were an outstanding success with a focus on kindness, respect and caring -SHOUT OUT our Centres who got on the PINK BUS to everyone who dressed in pink and lived the messaging , to the team at the AIMS Games who highlighted the values of PVO

And finally from me... its about best buds!  

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Pam 

Article by: Pam Clayton, WBOP Zone Umpire Lead
Article added: Friday 12 December 2025