As we close out another outstanding year, it is inspiring to reflect on the energy, commitment, and collaboration that has shaped coach development across our centres, clubs, and schools. Even as winter netball wrapped up, the work certainly did not stop - administrators were already diving into planning for 2026, our coach developers were sharpening their skills, and coaches took advantage of some well-earned downtime to complete workshops and continue their learning journey.

Coach Developers Leading the Way

Our Coach Developers have truly been the engine room of progress. This year they came together for our annual Coach Developer Forum - an energising day of shared insights, practical learning, and collective ambition and thoughts towards the future.

We hosted a National online Mental Skills workshop with Trudi Kemp, reaching coaches from all over Aotearoa. The uptake and engagement were fantastic. To top it off, Katie Horne delivered a powerful Good Sports session - equal parts confronting and motivating which pushed us all to think deeply about how we can better support coaches, parents, and ultimately our tamariki. This session sparked genuine emotion and strong reflection, and it will continue to influence how we uplift positive sporting experiences.

Celebrating Our CCQ Coaches

(Netball NZ Composite Coach Qualification)
A huge highlight was seeing 3 of our CCQ coaches complete the next step in their accreditation. After attending a two-day workshop back in March, they recently presented their season campaign plans as well as completing a coach observation, a big milestone in their coaching journeys. Massive congratulations to Sam Winders (Rotorua), Leigh Ashton (Cambridge), and Te Ahuru Waititi (Whakatane) on your achievements. Your dedication to growth is something to be proud of.

Our PCQ Coaches Continuing to Rise

(Netball NZ Performance Coach Qualification)
Our PCC coaches have also been hard at work, attending workshops hosted by Netball New Zealand to extend their learning and advance their coaching craft. Their willingness to lean into new knowledge, new challenges, and new perspectives speaks volumes about their commitment to their players and their ongoing development.

Ngā Mihi & Holiday Wishes

It has been a remarkable year for coach learning and development, and none of it happens without the people - every centre, every club, every school, every coach developer, and every coach who shows up with heart and purpose. Thank you for everything you have poured into our spaces this year.

As we head into the holidays, we wish you and your whānau a safe, restful, joy-filled break.

“Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua – I walk backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on my past.”
May the reflections of this year guide you toward an even brighter 2026.

Ngā manaakitanga

Kim Hunt (Coach Lead)

 

Article by: Kim Hunt, WBOP Zone Coach Lead
Article added: Friday 12 December 2025