Coach Development | Winter Edition

winter → gratitude → volunteer recognition → learning through kōrero → one-on-one coach support → a real story from the community.

Winter netball has certainly kept us on our toes across the WBOP Zone. We have experienced just about everything the season can throw at us – rain, sunshine, wind, snow, frosty mornings and plenty of those “Can they play in this?” moments. Yet, through it all, netball has continued. Coaches, players, umpires, administrators and volunteers have simply turned up, adapted and got on with it.

“He rau ringa e oti ai” – With many hands, the work will be accomplished.

And that feels particularly fitting at this time of year.

A Time to Celebrate Our Volunteers

Behind every team, training, competition and game day are people generously giving their time and energy to make netball happen. As the season continues at full pace, this is a timely reminder to stop and acknowledge the volunteers who make such a difference in our communities.

The Netball New Zealand Volunteer Awards are a fantastic opportunity to recognise those special people who consistently go above and beyond.

Do you know a coach who:

• Gives their time voluntarily and does not rely on coaching as their main source of income?
• Has contributed to coaching across different levels of the game?
• Supports the development of players, umpires and/or other coaches?
• Continues to invest in their own learning through coaching modules, workshops and development opportunities?
• Demonstrates positive coaching behaviours and brings approaches such as Physical Literacy, Balance is Better, Participant Centred Coaching and Coach Reflection to life?

If someone immediately comes to mind, take a few minutes to nominate them for Volunteer Coach of the Year. A nomination can be a powerful way to acknowledge the impact someone has had on others and to simply say, “We see what you do, and we appreciate it.”

Nominations close Sunday 30 August at midnight. If you know a coach whose contribution deserves recognition, now is the time to put their name forward.

Link: Nominate a Netball volunteer

Learning Beyond the Sideline

It was a privilege to attend the 2026 Netball New Zealand U18 Championships in Christchurch and to once again create opportunities for learning and connection through our post-match conversations.

This year, we continued a version of Courtside Kōrero, bringing together both coaches from each team, and on occasion an assistant coach, along with the two umpires. A new addition this year was inviting both team captains into the conversation.

These kōrero provided a safe and respectful space to reflect on the game, share perspectives and hear directly from the different people involved in the match.

One of the highlights for me was listening to the captains. They spoke confidently, thoughtfully and with genuine respect for both the umpires and their opposition. Their contributions reinforced just how valuable it can be to create spaces where young people are encouraged to reflect, communicate and share their perspective.

After the Whistle Kōrero – for Coaches coming to UNISS:

Continuing this approach, every WBOP coach attending UNISS this year will have the opportunity to take part in an informal post-match conversation with either myself or another WBOP Coach Developer. The purpose is to provide a relaxed, respectful opportunity to pause, reflect and learn from the game while it is still fresh.

The Value of One-on-One Coach Support

Over recent months, several coaches have reached out for individual support through phone calls, emails, requests for observations and access to resources. This continues to highlight both the need for, and value of, one-on-one coach support.

Sometimes the most meaningful learning does not happen in a workshop or formal course. It happens standing beside a court at training, watching a game, talking through a challenge, asking a question, sharing an observation or simply giving a coach space to reflect on what they are seeing and experiencing.

Supporting coaches in their own environment allows the learning to be relevant to their players, their team and their current challenges. It also recognises that every coach is at a different stage of their journey.

This is one of my favourite parts of my role – working directly alongside coaches, hearing their stories and helping them explore what might work next.

If you would like support, whether that is a phone call, a conversation, an observation at training or a game, or simply help finding the right resource, please get in touch. Sometimes a small conversation can open the door to a whole new way of seeing your coaching.

Building Connections On And Off The Court

As teams prepare for UNISS next week, we wanted to share a great example from Ōtorohanga College of the mahi being done to build connection beyond the court. Strong teams are not simply built through skills, tactics and game plans. Relationships matter too.

“For the Ōtorohanga College A Netball team, being part of a successful team is about much more than what happens on the court. Team bonding and building strong relationships are an important part of creating a team that supports, trusts and encourages one another.

Recently, the girls took part in the College’s very own version of Ready, Steady, Cook! Working in pairs, the players were given a selection of surprise ingredients and just one hour to create a main course and a dessert. With plenty of creativity, teamwork and a little bit of pressure, the girls rose to the challenge!

At the end of the hour, the team gathered with their Coach and Manager to enjoy the dishes they had created. It was a great opportunity for the girls to relax, have a few laughs and get to know each other away from the netball court.

Activities like this highlight that great teams are built both on and off the court. The connections, friendships and trust developed through these experiences will undoubtedly strengthen the team as they continue to work together and represent Ōtorohanga College with pride.”

Article written by Team Manager Lyndsay Kurth

Liarna Slade – Coach and Lyndsay Kurth - Manager

Back row from left to right - Savanna Botha, Sharntae Brown, Bayley Kerr, Morgan Kurth, Elina Fenton
Front row from left to right - Tepola Levula, Jennd de Malmanche, Aviva Mudge

Article by: Kim Hunt, WBOP Zone Coach Lead
Article added: Tuesday 25 August 2026