Waihi and Tokoroa Netball Centres Embark on Strategic Planning Journey

Two netball centres in the Netball WBOP Zone are taking important steps towards a stronger future, with both Waihi Netball Centre and Tokoroa Netball Centre embarking on the development of a strategic direction for their organisation.

Identified as a key priority in each Centre's 2026 Centre-Zone Annual Plan, the strategic planning initiatives have been supported by Netball WBOP Zone with in-person support and the sharing of resources and tools designed to help Centres create a clear vision for the years ahead.

Resources included materials from the Strategic Direction workshop presented at the 2025 Netball WBOP Zone Forum, featuring a video Q&A with Netball New Zealand (NNZ) President Dr Tina Karaitiana and a practical "Top Tips" guide from new NNZ Board member Anna Galvin - both highly regarded governors and leaders within sport and community organisations. Sport NZ's Strategic Vision resources were also made available to support the planning process.

Through community engagement, collaboration and thoughtful planning, these volunteer-led organisations are laying the foundations for sustainable and thriving netball communities.

Waihi Netball Centre Engages Its Community

At Waihi Netball Centre, Interim General Manager Leigh Ashton attended the final round of play and facilitated an on-the-night community engagement activity with players, supporters, and members.

Using a "Keep-Stop-Start" exercise, participants were invited to share what the Centre is doing well, what could be improved, and ideas for the future. A fun "Write a Slogan or Motto" pop-up also encouraged creativity and generated some enthusiastic contributions from the local netball community.

The feedback gathered, alongside key priorities identified by the committee, is helping shape a draft strategic plan. The committee will continue refining the plan at its next meeting on 8 September.

Tokoroa Netball Centre Plans for the Future

Tokoroa Netball Centre brought members of its community together for a dedicated planning workshop held on the Saturday immediately following its final round of play. Representatives from clubs and schools were invited to contribute and help shape the Centre's future direction.

Leigh Ashton attended as a guest speaker and facilitated discussions focused on the importance of local netball to the Tokoroa community, the value and impact provided by the Centre, what success could look like in three or more years' time, and practical actions needed to move towards that vision.

Centre President Lani Daniel and Vice President Alexis Whetu also led sessions reflecting on the past season and planning for 2027. A second workshop is scheduled for later this month to further refine the Centre's future direction and confirm key actions and dates for next season.

Supporting Community-Led Success

It has been fantastic to support the passionate volunteers leading these initiatives. Their commitment to strengthening local netball, engaging their communities, and planning proactively for the future demonstrates the dedication that continues to underpin netball across the region.

The work underway at both Waihi and Tokoroa Netball Centres is an excellent example of local leaders investing time and energy into creating sustainable, thriving environments for players, coaches, officials, volunteers, and communities for years to come.

Article by: Leigh Ashton, WBOP Zone Interim GM
Article added: Monday 07 September 2026