Netball South Zone - Annual Report 2025

2025 Annual Report

Netball South Board Members

Dean Johnston (Chair), Noelene Scott (Deputy Chair),

Kirstin Scully, Shane Youngman, Sian Horn (till June 2025),

Allanah Robb and Virginia Baker (NNZ Representative – from April 2025)

Netball South Staff Members

Sonya Fleming CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Josie Flack

ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS MANAGER

Tyla McMullin

ADMINISTRATOR

Carla O’Meara

MARKETING MANAGER

Mikaela Watson

INTERIM MARKETING MANAGER (MAY-AUG 2025)

Colleen Bond PERFORMANCE UMPIRE LEAD

Wendy Frew

ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL HEAD COACH

Liana Leota

ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL ASSISTANT COACH (JAN-AUG 2025)

Dayna Kaio

ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL TEAM MANAGER (UNTIL AUG 2025)

Rita Coe

RELATIONSHIP MANAGER – COMMUNITY LEAD

Lana Morrison

COACH LEAD (UNTIL DEC 2024)

Kate Lloyd PATHWAYS AND DEVELOPMENT LEAD (FROM JAN 2025)

Paula Shortall

NETBALLSMART DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Kara Alvarez Riffo

PARTICIPATION LEAD (FROM FEB 2025)

Rachel Templeton COACH AND UMPIRE COORDINATOR (APR-DEC 2025)

From the Board Chair and Chief Executive

On behalf of the directors and staff, welcome to the 13th annual report of Netball South Zone Incorporated for the year ended 30 November 2025.

In the community, it has been encouraging to see the dedication of our centres reflected in growing participation levels — a 3% increase in junior players and a 1% rise in both secondary school and recreational participation. These results highlight the strength of our community netball and the unwavering commitment of our centres and volunteers.

Netball South delivered a highly successful Steel Roadie initiative, with Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel players travelling across the region to facilitate skill sessions in every centre. These visits inspired tamariki and rangatahi, strengthened connections with communities, and elevated participation across the zone.

Steel players supported representative trainings, festival days and player development sessions, contributing to a strong sense of visibility and connection between elite athletes and community netball.

The season was marked by several individual achievements in our player performance pathway, including Holly McRae’s ANZ Premiership debut and Laura Balmer securing an IRP contract with the Central Pulse. Four South Zone athletes – Laura Balmer, Ella Southby, Serina Daunakamakama and Khanye’Lii MunroNonoa – were selected for the NZ U21 Youth World Cup team, which finished 2nd overall in Gibraltar.

Our Southern Blast was led by head coach Abbey McKenzie and assistant coach Natalie Mathews. While the team narrowly lost all five National Netball League matches in 2025, the season provided valuable development opportunities for a young squad gaining crucial exposure to the national performance environment.

The South Zone enjoyed an exceptional year in secondary school netball competitions. Year 9 and 10 teams claimed several major titles, and numerous schools finished inside the top ten 10 across the A, B, and C grades at the South Island Secondary School Championships.

St Hilda’s Collegiate secured the A Grade title and Twizel Area School topped the B Grade, and Columba College dominated the Junior South Island Secondary School Netball Tournament by winning both the Year 9 and Year 10 grades. South athletes featured strongly in talent identification, with five in the A Grade and eight in the B Grade Talented Players announced.

The 2025 Steel Steps programme was a key highlight, engaging around 80 secondary school–aged athletes across development and accelerator streams, providing regional skill sessions, a performance camp over Easter, and dedicated ongoing support to prepare them for the next stage of the pathway.

In July, five South Zone teams travelled to Auckland for the Netball New Zealand Under 18 and Men’s Under 18 Championships. The tournaments championships gave players exposure to top-level competition and diverse playing styles. Dunedin finished 2nd, Invercargill 15th, Eastern Southland 31st, North Otago 33rd, and the Invercargill Men’s U18 team placed 7th overall. These results, alongside NZSS and U21 selections, highlight the strength of the South Zone’s development pathways.

Across the year, the zone’s technical officials achieved success on the national and international stages. Umpires excelled with multiple recognitions, including emerging talent at SISS in Dunedin, and NZC award for Isla Redgrave (DUN), and endorsed NZC award for Becky Slade (CO), alongside deserved representation on umpire panels and A Grade appointments. Officials were selected for major events such as the NNZ Open Championship, Under 18s, Secondary Schools (Susan Fitzgibbon appointed to the final), the Taini Jamison Trophy, Colleen Bond Umpire Panel, and the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar where Sasha McLeod earned an international appointment. Bench officials also made significant contributions, with key roles across NNZ Open, NNZ Secondary Schools, and the Taini Jamison Trophy.

Coaching capability continued to strengthen through ongoing participation in the NNZ Performance Coach Qualification (PCQ) with six coaches from our zone, and coaches completing the Community Coach Award 1. These achievements reflect a strengthening commitment to quality coaching development. This year brought staffing changes and welcomed new contributors to the community team; Kate Lloyd as our Pathways and Development Lead, Kara Alvarez Riffo as Participation Lead and Rachel Templeton as Coach and Umpire Coordinator. A special thank you to Kristie Simpson, Liana Leota, Lana Morrison and Josh Bowring for leading coach and umpire development workshops on behalf of Netball South.

A well attended Centre Forum towards the end of the year provided an invaluable platform for shared insights, learning and collaboration, strengthening relationships across the zone ahead of the 2026 season with our biggest focus on the coach and umpire space in our planning.

At our AGM, we proudly recognised ten Netball South Service Awards:

· Angee Shand (Netball South)

·Ann Meffan (Eastern Southland)

·Ashleigh Sinclair (Eastern Southland)

·Belinda Knapp (Eastern Southland)

·Ellen Waide (Dunedin)

·Joyce Barron (Eastern Southland)

·Kathy Ferguson (Dunedin)

·Leigh Waddell (Eastern Southland)

·Natasha (Tash) Lake (Upper Clutha & Central Otago)

·Reinga Bloxham (Netball South)

Additionally, Adrienne Ensor (Dunedin) was highly commended for the NNZ Volunteer Administrator of the Year Award –thoroughly deserved recognition.

On a high performance front, the 2025 ANZ Premiership season was the start of a new era for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel. Two Steel icons returned to guide the team, local legend Wendy Frew in her first year as head coach and internationallyacclaimed coach Liana Leota as our assistant coach. Together, they formed a formidable partnership that revitalised our franchise and restored our competitive edge. Their commitment, expertise and leadership was nothing short of outstanding.

The ANZ Premiership had significant changes in 2025, moving from a three-round competition to a two-round format – this was a massive change for teams. This adjustment resulted in fewer games, reducing opportunities to generate revenue through memberships, ticket sales, and game-day sponsorships.

The Steel completed their regular season with five wins, narrowly missing a place in the playoffs after a fiercely-contested 10 rounds. Our results reflected a blend of hard earned wins, close contests, and valuable learning opportunities. The team delivered a significantly improved campaign marked by competitive performances, renewed culture, and a strong connection with our fans and community, strengthening its legacy both on and off the court.

The revised format intensified competition from the very beginning, making every match crucial. Unfortunately, we were hit with challenges early on, with co captain Kate Heffernan suffering a knee injury just before the opening round. This sidelined her for the initial part of the season, though she made a steady return on restricted minutes that increased week by week, strengthening our performance as she regained form. We also missed the opportunity to see our Australian recruit Dakota Thomas take the court due to a season long injury. However, adversity brought opportunity and we were delighted to welcome rising star Khayne’-Lii Munro Nonoa, who became an outstanding addition to our Steel whãnau, and Kate Lloyd also stepped up as a strong interim replacement player for us. The eagerly anticipated homecoming of Aliyah Dunn and new recruits Kimiora Poi and Carys Stythe were amazing additions to our team.

This season, we successfully embraced a range of new game initiatives, most notably the introduction of the two-point shot. This addition had a meaningful impact on our style of play and proved to be a decisive factor in several matches, contributing to more dynamic and strategic oncourt performances.

We welcomed Josie McKercher from Academy Southland as our Strength and Conditioning coach, her prowess reflected in the team delivering exceptional physical performance throughout the season. Josie’s expertise, structured programming, and

athlete centred approach significantly elevated our conditioning standards and supported improved resilience, strength, and overall athletic output.

The 2025 season reinforced the Steel’s reputation for having some of the most passionate supporters in New Zealand netball. Crowds in both Invercargill and Dunedin provided a powerful homecourt advantage, and fan enthusiasm surged throughout the year. Membership growth exceeded expectations of precovid levels, along with two full house games, and the Steel’s matchday atmosphere remained one of the strongest in the ANZ Premiership.

The foundations laid this year—both on and off the court—signal a strong and promising trajectory as the Steel look ahead to the 2026 season. We are pleased to retain seven players within the franchise: Kimiora Poi, Aliyah Dunn, Georgia Heffernan, Carys Stythe, Renee Savai’inaea, Serina Daunakamakama, and Khanye’Lii Munro-Nonoa.

In addition, we welcome two Australian imports, Jessica Milne and Josie Bingham, enabled by Netball NZ’s revised rule permitting two imports per team.

We are very proud of our four Silver Ferns – Kate Heffernan, Georgia Heffernan, Kimiora Poi, and Carys Stythe – and our two NZ Development Squad players – Aliyah Dunn and Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa

Celebrating excellence across our game, at the coveted 2025 Netball New Zealand Awards Kate Heffernan was bestowed the ANZ Silver Ferns Player of the Year, capping off an exceptional season on the international stage.

Rising star Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa enjoyed a standout year, taking out both the Aspiring Sliver Fern Award and NZ U21 Player of the Year.

Kirstie Simpson was awarded joint ANZ Premiership Umpire of

the Year along with Gareth Fowler.

Netball New Zealand hosted the third Test of the Taini Jamison Series between the Silver Ferns and South Africa at ILT Stadium Southland in September. We are incredibly proud of Colleen Bond for her remarkable contribution to netball which was formally recognised at this event, celebrating her unrivalled international umpiring involvement as she concluded her tenure with World Netball. Over many years, Colleen has served on both the International Testing Panel and the International Umpire Assessment Panel, playing a pivotal role in setting global standards, supporting major tournaments, and developing elite umpires worldwide.

Netball South also wished to acknowledge and warmly thank Sasha McLeod as she retires from international and ANZ Premiership umpiring, marking the end of an exceptional career at the elite level. Throughout her tenure, Sasha has shown unwavering professionalism, composure, and integrity – qualities that have made her one of the country’s most respected officials. Her contribution has extended well beyond the whistle, serving as a role model for aspiring umpires and a trusted presence on some of netball’s biggest stages.

Netball South Zone Incorporated transitioned to Public Benefit Entity (PBE) Accounting Standards under the External Reporting Board (XRB) framework, during the 2025 financial year in line with the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requirements. This shift strengthens the transparency and consistency of our financial reporting. As part of the transition, prior year figures were restated - primarily due to updated revenue recognition requirements - which reduced the 2024 opening and closing equity. These are technical adjustments only and do not reflect a change in our underlying financial performance.

Against this backdrop, we are pleased to report a $31,910 surplus for the 2025 financial year, reversing the prior year’s

$28,279 deficit and lifting member equity to $8,073. Revenue levels remained steady throughout the year, and disciplined cost management contributed to the improved result.

The Board and Management remain committed to ensuring that Netball South operates from a stable, resilient financial base that supports the longterm success of netball in our region. Strengthening the organisation’s financial sustainability remains a priority, and ongoing efforts to build equity will continue through 2026.

We are deeply thankful for the support of our funders, partners and hardworking staff, whose relentless efforts to manage costs have been crucial.

At the heart of our success are the people—fans, members, players, officials, workforce, funders, partners, contractors, staff, and the wider community. Their quality, engagement, and passion remain the cornerstone of everything we do.

We were pleased to welcome Virginia Baker as our Netball New Zealand Representative in April. During the year, we also farewelled Sian Horn as she embarked on her overseas adventures.

Netball South would like to pay tribute to all of the staff and volunteers at the centres for their passion and commitment to grow and strengthen our sport, and our Southern Steel family of funders, commercial partners and fans for their unwavering support in 2025. A huge thank you to our Netball South board and staff for a great year of hard work and success

NETBALL S UTH LIFE MEMBERS

SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

New Zealand Umpire recognised for international contribution

Netball New Zealand formally recognised the significant contribution international umpiring stalwart Colleen Bond has made to our sport, marking the conclusion of her distinguished service with World Netball.

Colleen's long-standing tenure – which included service on the International Testing Panel and a pivotal role on the International Umpire Assessment Panel was acknowledged post-match at the third Test of the Taini Jamison Series between the Silver Ferns and South Africa in Invercargill on 28 September 2025.

Throughout her time with World Netball, Colleen played a key role in setting and maintaining global umpiring standards, supporting major international tournaments, and guiding the development of umpires operating at the highest levels of the game.

Renowned for her technical expertise, deep knowledge of the rules and her ability to coach with both care and challenge, Colleen was instrumental in shaping the careers of countless international umpires. Her influence has left an enduring imprint on the global umpiring landscape.

Well known throughout Southland, Colleen’s involvement in netball spans more than 50 years, encompassing roles as a player, coach, umpire and administrator. She is widely respected for her unwavering commitment to umpire development and for the leadership she has provided through more than a decade of service with World Netball.

In recognition of her services to netball, Colleen was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015. Her umpiring journey began in the Eastern Southland Netball club competition in 1967 and progressed to officiating at national championships, domestic leagues and international events, including the World Championship in Jamaica in 2003.

While her officiating achievements are considerable, it is Colleen’s lasting impact as an umpire coach and mentor that truly sets her apart. As her formal role with World Netball concludes, she will continue to invest in the next generation of umpires within New Zealand, ensuring her knowledge and experience remain embedded in the game.

Netball New Zealand National Technical Officials Manager Josh Bowring said Colleen had helped “shape and influence the umpiring journeys of so many globally”.

“While this marks the conclusion of her international role, it certainly does not signal the end of her involvement,” Bowring said. “From an international perspective, we are immensely grateful for everything Colleen has contributed.”

Colleen’s tenure with World Netball officially concluded at the end of the year, closing a chapter defined by leadership, service and lasting impact on the global game.

SIGNS OFF:

Queenstown Roots to the World Stage

After nearly a decade at the forefront of New Zealand umpiring, Sasha McLeod has blown the whistle for the final time, bringing her on-court career to a close at the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar. It marks the conclusion of an exceptional journey for the Queenstown official, who rose from a small southern Centre to become one of Aotearoa’s most respected and admired umpires.

Across her career, Sasha built an impressive portfolio of achievements, including:

• 31 National Netball League matches

•72 ANZ Premiership matches, debuting in 2017

• International Umpire Award (IUA), achieved in 2023

• Fast5 Netball World Series, 2024

• Pacific Games, Solomon Islands, 2024

• Commonwealth Youth Fast5 Games, Trinidad & Tobago, 2024

• Netball World Youth Cup, Gibraltar, 2025

Her excellence was also recognised closer to home, with Sasha named Findex Official of the Year at the 2024 Forsyth Barr Central Otago Sports Awards.

Sasha’s pathway to the top was anything but straightforward. Growing up in a small Centre, geographically isolated from regular access to high-performance domestic competition, she often travelled hours to find opportunities that would stretch and test her. Rather than allowing geography to define her limits, she chose to focus on what was possible.

“Coming from a very small netball centre and being geographically isolated from strong games, I feel proud that I was still able to make it to the highest level in umpiring.”

For Sasha, umpiring was always about more than the whistle.

“Netball is fast and exciting. To know you play an important role in helping players shine and fans enjoy the experience is amazing.”

It was that feeling—walking off court knowing she had delivered at the highest level—that continued to motivate her, season after season.

Beneath Sasha’s calm, composed exterior sits a deep resilience. Through the demands of elite officiating, she discovered an inner strength she hadn’t fully recognised.

“Umpiring can have its challenges, and I realised I’m more

resilient and tougher than I thought. I have an inner strength I didn’t fully appreciate.”

Like many great officials, Sasha credits those who believed in her along the way, particularly former New Zealand umpire and umpire coach Colleen Bond.

“Colleen’s unwavering belief in me made me believe in myself. Being able to tap into her knowledge has been invaluable.”

Mentorship, connection and community have underpinned Sasha’s rise—values she now actively passes on to those she supports within the umpiring pathway.

Netball New Zealand Technical Officials Manager Josh Bowring acknowledged the significant impact Sasha has made.

“Those who know Sasha have always seen this strength in the way she prepares, communicates and maintains the highest standards on and off the court. She has been a quiet but powerful leader within the national squad, consistently modelling professionalism, humility and high-performance behaviours,” he said.

Sasha’s message to aspiring umpires is simple, grounded and enduring:

“Have a really strong ‘why’. Don’t compare yourself to others. This is your journey—stay true to the reason you do it.”

While Sasha is stepping away from on-court duties, she is not stepping away from the game.

“I’m looking forward to having more time to help and inspire other umpires to be the best they can be.”

Netball New Zealand, Netball South and her wider umpiring whãnau know Sasha’s influence will continue—not through the whistle she once held, but through the officials she empowers and the voices she continues to lift.

Full circle for Frew

SUCCESS IN SPORT ISN’T JUST WINNING GAMES. IT CAN BE MEASURED IN WAYS FAR MORE POIGNANT.

For the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, the appointment of inspirational leader Wendy Frew to head coach marked one of the most meaningful full-circle moments in the club’s history.

A proud Southlander, Wendy’s journey began as a teenage player with the Southern Sting before continuing through the Steel era. For southern netball supporters, her appointment represented far more than a change at the helm. Wendy’s deep connection to the team, spanning more than two decades and evolving from promising young player to inspirational captain, earned her a reputation as one of the region’s most respected leaders.

Her playing career cemented a lasting bond with the franchise. Wendy represented the Steel with pride across 176 national league matches over 17 seasons, including captaining two backto-back premiership-winning campaigns in 2017 and 2018. She achieved national recognition, earning selection with the Silver Ferns – a reflection of the high regard in which she is held in New Zealand netball.

After retiring from playing elite netball in 2018, Wendy transitioned into coaching, progressing to a specialist coach role with Steel before stepping into the head coach role for the 2025 season. This move reflected both her coaching prowess and her enduring commitment to developing athletes in the southern zone pathway.

Her return signalled a new era for the Steel, bringing a unique understanding of the culture, expectations, and community that shape the franchise. Having developed within an environment shaped by legendary coach Robyn Broughton, Wendy carries forward a people-first ethos and a deep respect for the standards and values that remain central to the Steel’s identity.

Having experienced the team as a young player, captain, mentor, and now head coach, she embodies the values of loyalty, pride, and connection that define southern netball.

Wendy’s return was not merely the start of a new chapter for the Steel – it was the continuation of a legacy she helped build on court, now guiding the next generation from the sideline.

NETBALL NEW ZEALAND VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS - HIGHLY COMMENDED ADMINISTRATOR – ADRIENNE ENSOR, DUNEDIN NETBALL CENTRE

Netball New Zealand celebrated the people who keep the game moving every week, announcing the Waste Management (WM) New Zealand Volunteer of the Year winners across coaching, officiating, administration, youth leadership and community impact.

The Volunteer of the Year Awards form part of the annual New Zealand Netball Awards programme, which recognises excellence, leadership and contribution across all levels of the game.

Congratulations to Adrienne Ensor, Dunedin Netball Centre for her Highly Commended Administrator recognition.

Beginning her journey as a high-school umpire more than 45 years ago, Adrienne Ensor has contributed to netball at every level, from courtside to the boardroom. Her leadership was instrumental in stabilising Netball Otago through challenging periods during her time as Board Chair, and she played a key role in guiding the organisation’s transition into the South Zone structure.

Adrienne continues to add value through her ongoing service on the Dunedin Netball Board and Finance Committee, bringing experience, governance capability and institutional knowledge that strengthens decision-making. A life member of both Dunedin Netball and Netball South Zone, she remains actively involved as an umpire and mentor, modelling service, continuity and commitment that underpin the game from the ground up.

MAJOR SUPPORTERS

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

SPONSORS

SPONSORS AND FUNDERS

Netball South and the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel would like to thank our loyal family of sponsors and community funders. Their support makes our success a reality.

COMMUNITY

2025 got off to a fantastic start with the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel Roadie, which visited all ten South Zone netball centres: Central Southland, Menzies, Eastern Southland, Invercargill, South Otago, Dunedin, Central Otago, Wakatipu, Upper Clutha, and North Otago. The Roadie provided an exciting opportunity for more than 600 participants, ranging from Year 1 to Year 12, to engage directly with the Southern Steel. We sincerely thank all the centres for their support and for helping to facilitate these events so successfully.

In addition to the Steel Roadie, the Ascot Park Southern Steel engaged with school trainings, club trainings, rep trainings and other events such as festivals and development days throughout the South Zone, reaching over 500 Tamariki and Rangatahi. Altogether, these initiatives inspired over 1,000 young people to get involved and enjoy netball.

Netball South also hosted the Otago Secondary Schools and Southland Secondary Schools tournaments, attracting a wonderful turnout of teams. 63 teams competed at OSS, with St Hilda’s winning A Grade, while 29 teams participated at SSS, with James Hargest College taking out A Grade. Southern Steel players and Head Coach Wendy Frew were a fantastic addition to the tournaments, joining the full Netball South team to create a memorable and enjoyable experience for all participants. We are grateful to our sponsors, including Harraways, who provided 1,200 packs of oats at OSS, and Windsor Subway and Windsor New World, who supported SSS with lollies, gift bags, and a Subway platter for the umpires’ lunch.

Netball New Zealand, in partnership with AUT, conducted a research review into the Year 5 & 6 futureFERNS format. Many thanks to Menzies and INC, along with their Year 5 & 6 teams, for participating in this research. While changes may take some time, it is important that the South Zone’s perspective is represented in this process.

Netball South is also proud to have supported centres in growing participation programmes through the Targeted Participation Funding. This funding has helped introduce new programmes and enhance existing initiatives, encouraging participation and enjoyment of netball across the zone. These initiatives directly

impacted 457 participants, and we look forward to supporting centres to sustain and further grow these in the future.

COACHING

This year, three coaches - Tim Coupe, Emma Dempsey, and Ali Shallue - completed their Community Coach Award Level 1 qualification. Six coaches remain in the NNZ Performance Coach Qualification Programme: Lana Morrison, David Hiroki, Marie Holden, Lee Stoneman Greig, Marie-Louise Gardyne, and Hemaima Eichstaedt.

During the ANZP season, Steel Assistant Coach Liana Leota ran interactive and online coaching workshops to support skill development, which received fantastic feedback. Across the year, 98 coaches generously volunteered their time to participate in workshops, driven by a commitment to excellence and continuous growth. Their dedication not only strengthens their own coaching but sets a positive example for players, reinforcing the value of hard work and development. With further coach workshops and coach developer training in the pipeline, we anticipate even greater engagement throughout 2026.

NETBALLSMART

Paula Shortall, alongside Centre Activators Ariana Cunningham (Invercargill), Hannah Bissett, and Amy Lord (Dunedin), engaged with 10 Centres, 22 secondary schools, 14 intermediate schools, and 8 primary schools, working with 2,128 players and 270 coaches through school visits.

Centre-run development programmes and Pathway Camps reached 1,744 players, 166 coaches, and 29 umpires, while 162 senior club players and 34 senior coaches attended NetballSmart workshops. A key focus this season was the rollout of the revamped NetballSmart Dynamic Warm-up.

Across the year, 155 NetballSmart workshops were delivered, covering the Dynamic Warm-up, Smart Parent, Smart Player, Smart Health, Injury Management, Player Development, Umpire workshops, and the Year 9–10 Starter Programme. A new initiative, ACL risk reduction workshops, was delivered to Otago Women and Invercargill Women’s and Men’s Open teams. NetballSmart also attended 36 Zone, Centre, or NNZ events to support activations and provide observations.

TECHNICAL OFFICIALS

Netball South acknowledges and expresses gratitude to all umpires, umpire coaches, and bench officials for their ongoing commitment in 2025. Their dedication continues to strengthen officiating standards and support the development of officials across all levels of the South Zone.

The Online Sport Tutor platform and NNZ Education Catalogue provided essential learning opportunities, with an updated Umpire Learning Document and a new Theory exam workbook introduced in 2025 to further support development. This year, 152 new umpires achieved their Centre Theory Exam, nine achieved the NNZ C Theory Exam, and 15 completed the Zone Theory Exam.

Practical Award successes are always exciting for Umpires to both recognise and reward their effort and dedication required to achieve their goals. South Zone achieved three new NZC Qualifying Awards, four NZC Endorsement Awards, ten Zone Qualifying Awards, and fourteen Zone Endorsement Awards.

Tournaments offered valuable practical experience, with umpire coaches observing and mentoring young officials. Highlights

included the NNZ U18 Championships in Waitakere, Auckland, where five South Zone umpires attended - three holding NZC Awards and two Zone Awards - all of whom demonstrated high skill, fitness, and professionalism. Susan Fitzgibbon and Shannon Michelle were appointed to the NetballSmart NNZ Opens Championships in Christchurch.

The implementation of the 2024 Rules of Netball edition, supported by the Rules Advisory Panel, ensured consistency across Zones and competitions. Umpires achieved strong results in theory exams, with tutors playing a critical role in their success. Tournaments, coaching support, and practical assessments continue to provide the pathway for aspiring umpires to progress to higher levels, with self-reflection and ongoing learning being key to development.

Netball South remains committed to supporting umpire growth through structured learning, coaching support, and practical opportunities, ensuring continued excellence and development of officials across the Zone.

HIGH PERFORMANCE UMPIRES

Our High-Performance umpires, Kristie Simpson, Sasha McLeod, and Alannah Robinson, were all named in the 2025 National Squad, reflecting their exceptional skill and dedication.

Kristie Simpson – ANZP 2025: Kristie continues to be one of New Zealand’s most talented and experienced High-Performance umpires in the South Zone. Her appointment to ANZP 2025 is a testament to her professionalism and consistency.

Sasha McLeod – ANZP 2025: 2025 has been a rewarding year for Sasha, umpiring at ANZP and receiving an outstanding World Netball appointment to the Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.

Alannah Robinson – ANZP & SHNL 2025: Alannah’s selection in the National Squad acknowledges her excellent performance in SHNL games and her opportunities as a reserve umpire in ANZP matches.

Susan Fitzgibbon – SHNL 2025: Susan was named on the 2025 Watchlist, a significant recognition in the NNZ Umpire pathway. She gained valuable experience as a reserve umpire for SHNL games during the ANZP competition.

Umpire Coaching: Kristie Simpson was appointed by NNZ as an Umpire Coach for the NNZ U18 Championships in Waitakere. Despite varied conditions, including torrential rain on the final day, Kristie provided invaluable guidance to developing umpires. She was also appointed as a Watchlist Umpire Coach in the South Zone.

We sincerely thank Kristie, Sasha, and Alannah for their leadership, dedication, and the outstanding support they provide to umpires of all levels across the South Zone Centres.

INTRO TO PERFORMANCE AND PERFORMANCE PROGRAMME

The umpire development programmes that were introduced in 2024 to create clear pathways for growth, have two levels: “Intro to Performance” and “Performance.” These programmes identify and nurture talent, providing opportunities for umpires to develop the skills, knowledge, fitness, and professionalism required for higher-level appointments.

The Performance Programme highlighted significant progress, with South Zone umpires achieving outstanding results at NNZ U18s, NZ Secondary Schools, and NNZ Open Champs. While local Centre competitions remain a foundation, exposure to a range of tournaments from Year 7–10 through to U16s and U18s and regional Secondary School Tournaments has been crucial in providing experience and recognition.

A notable achievement this year was the growth of young student umpires achieving theory or practical awards at Centre, Zone, or national levels. This success reflects the commitment of Coaches, Coach Developers, and Assessors across the South Zone, whose guidance, observations, and mentoring continue to strengthen umpire pathways. Moving forward, expanding the coaching network and increasing observational opportunities will further develop umpires’ skills, self-reflection, and readiness for NNZ pathways.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Netball South extends its sincere thanks to all Umpire Coaches, Umpire Coach Assessors, and Umpire Coach Developers who have contributed their time and expertise to the development of umpires at all levels. This includes:

NZ Umpire Coaches/Coach Assessors: Alannah Robinson, Alexis Wadworth, Alison Cormack, Alone Trainor, Belinda Knapp, Carol Chamberlain, Colleen Bond, Ellen Waide, Kathy Ferguson, Kirsty Brame, Kristie Simpson, Maree McMillan, Rachel Smith, Richard Jocelyn, Sasha McLeod, Tania Pleace.

Netball South Zone Coach/Coach Assessors: Allanah Cunningham, Adrienne Ensor, Anne Mitchell, Becky Slade, Carolyn Milne, Christine Dyer, Emma Martin, Hilary Smith, Irene Mather, Jenny Pitcaithly, Kerry Seymour, Kimerley Sutherland, Kylie Batchelor, Liz Freeman, Michelle Findlater, Natasha Lake, Raewyn King, Rochelle Gordon, Susan Fitzgibbon, Teresa Alexander, Tina Williamson.

Netball South Centre Coach/Coach Assessors: Alice Read, Allison McDonald, Angela McDonald Anne Meffan, Ashleigh Sinclair, Bridgette Lindsay, Bronwyn Walsh, Catherine Patterson, Deb Kinder, Gail Shanks, Gail Wylie C, Hamish Pinckney C, Helen Mcleod-Young, Jo Shaw, JoanLea Wilson, Karyn Quaid, Kathi Scott, Katy Bryan, Kristina Harden, Lou Dougherty C, Lyn Cartwright, Megan Lindsay C, Nicole Sharp, Nivonne Schultz, Renee Brown, Rachel Fowler, Renee Webster, Rosie Cullen, Savanna Steele C, Shannon Michelle, Sharon Eade, Terie Wilson, Teri McCracken, Tina Frew.

Umpire Coach Developers: Maree McMillan, Carol Chamberlain, Rachel Smith, Alone Trainor, Alexis Wadworth, Kirsty Brame, Alison Cormack, Kristie Simpson, Belinda Knapp, Alannah Robinson, Colleen Bond, Richard Jocelyn, Ellie Waide, Liz Freeman, Rochelle Gordon, Anne Mitchell, Tina Williamson, Sasha McLeod.

BENCH OFFICIALS

Bench Officials were well represented at NZ Open Champs and NZ Secondary Schools also noting Kristina Harden was appointed as Scorer 2 with Nikki Gay as Timer on the NZ Opens Final, and Sharron Ridd was appointed as Scorer 1 on the 5th/6th playoff. They delivered a strong collective performance, with key appointments in finals and playoffs reflecting confidence in capability at national level.

National Revalidations and a Zone Accreditation were completed along with an increased number of Cadets across Southland and Otago, therefore strengthening depth and long-term capability. Competition exposure across INC Men’s Netball, NNL and local competitions supported readiness for elite environments such as ANZ Premiership and the International Taini Jamison Trophy.

The reintroduction of the Bench Manager role strengthened game-day structure, with further development planned. Targeted training, clearer communication, and improved alignment with NNZ ensured officials were well prepared for rule and competition changes. With growing depth, improved coordination and strong cadet engagement, the programme is well positioned for 2025, with a continued focus on consistency, quality and performance at all levels.

STATISTICIANS

This year has been a period of significant change for our team. With a small core group of four, the workload was substantial, and the opportunity for trainees to participate was limited. The introduction of the two-point shot required changes in goal calling and data input, while the third-person role, previously a backup, became responsible for managing substitutions, verifying player eligibility on court, and adjusting playing times as required.

We acknowledge the resignation of Julie Erskine and thank her sincerely for her years of service, mentorship, and leadership on deck. Her contribution to training others and supporting the team has been invaluable. With Julie’s departure, our team now comprises three members, highlighting the ongoing need for additional personnel and higher-level practice opportunities. The Silver Ferns test in Invercargill provided an excellent standard of play, demonstrating the benefits of practicing and officiating at higher levels.

We are grateful to Joan Lea Wilson and Carolyn Leonard for their dedication this year. While challenges remain, we are confident in our ability to develop further, strengthen our team, and embrace the opportunities ahead.

Pathways

In 2025, the South Zone delivered consistent and impressive performances across all levels of the player pathway. From secondary school tournaments through to national representation, athletes, umpires, and coaches from across the region continued to make strong progress within the Netball New Zealand performance system.

The South Zone recorded a number of outstanding results throughout the secondary school competitions. Our Year 9 and 10 teams claimed winning titles, while another South Zone school finished runners-up in the combined Junior South Island Secondary Schools tournament. At South Island Secondary Schools, the depth of talent across the region was evident, with five South Zone teams finishing in the top sixteen of the A Grade. Six teams achieved top ten placings in the B Grade, with three of those earning promotion to A grade for the 2026 season. We also had three C Grade teams finish inside the top ten, further highlighting the depth and competitiveness developing across our schools.

There was strong representation of South athletes within the talent identification space, with five players named in the A Grade Talented Players Group and an impressive eight of the ten players named in the B Grade Talented Players Group coming from the South Zone. Our umpiring group was equally well represented, with four of our South umpires selected in the Talented Umpires Group.

The growth of our umpires in the performance space has been particularly encouraging, with two South Zone umpires earning finals positions at both the NZ U18 and NZ Open Championships. Our number of nationally recognised coaches has remained stable since last year. Athlete success on the national stage has also been a highlight. Two South Zone players were selected in the New Zealand Secondary Schools Squad and four South and Steel athletes earned selection in the New Zealand Under 21 team that competed at the World Youth Cup.

From the Zone Pathway Programmes, the top fifteen secondary school athletes were selected to attend the National Development Camp (NDC) in Ashburton in January. Netball South provided financial assistance to support attendance, ensuring that cost was not a barrier for any athlete. The NDC serves as a key entry point into the Netball New Zealand Performance System and forms part of the NZSS selection process. Following this camp, four South players were invited to NZSS trials in April. Congratulations go to Ruby Hore on her selection to the NZSS team, Aya Moetaua who earned selection in the NZSS A team and Kiana Brown earning her role as a reserve.

The future of our athletes continues to look bright, with a strong group of talent progressing through the Netball New Zealand performance pathway. Players such as Laura Balmer, Ella Southby, KhanyeLii Munro-Nonoa, and Serina Daunakamakama were all selected in the New Zealand Under 21 Team, with Summer Temu named as reserve. The team delivered an outstanding performance at the World Youth Cup in Gibraltar, finishing in an impressive second place.

The 2025 Steel Steps Programme has continued to be a key highlight within our development pathway. Approximately 80 secondary school–aged athletes participated across both the Development and Accelerator streams. Athletes received ongoing support throughout the year and attended regional skill sessions and performance camp during the Easter break. The programme is designed to prepare aspiring athletes for the next stage of the pathway, supporting both technical growth and their wider netball journey. Engagement levels remained consistently strong, reflecting the commitment of the athletes.

Our Under 16 and Under 18 Development Programmes have maintained strong momentum throughout 2025. Attendance and athlete engagement remained high across most centres, supported by quality coaching delivery and positive learning environments. As a result, noticeable improvements have been observed in skill execution, tactical understanding, training habits, and overall performance at both age-group and secondary school tournaments.

Across these Steel Steps Development Programmes, including centre-based development days, Netball South supported about 300 athletes within the zone this year. These programmes continue to play a crucial role in identifying talent, building capability, and progressing athletes into the next stage of the pathway. All local tournaments were attended by members of the Netball South team, ensuring a clear and consistent approach to player identification and selection while strengthening connections and visibility across the wider performance network.

Our Steel and Blast players have continued to be outstanding ambassadors for both the game and Netball South. Their involvement in community events has been met with extremely positive feedback, reflecting their professionalism and commitment to inspiring the next generation. While player availability was occasionally limited due to the shorter season, their contribution and engagement whenever possible has been invaluable to the success of these programmes.

ASCOT PARK HOTEL SOUTHERN STEEL

The 2025 ANZ Premiership season marked a significant chapter for the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel.

In a poignant full circle moment for the franchise, legendary midcourter Wendy Frew returned to the helm as head coach, leading the team with a deep understanding of Steel culture and the South Zone community. Her commitment, knowledge and passion was unwavering, ensuring a successful campaign built on a foundation of strong values.

Forming a powerful partnership, Frew enlisted former Silver Fern and Steel midcourt great Liana

Leota in the assistant coaching role. Leota brought extensive high-performance experience from her international and UK domestic coaching career, providing insight, tactical guidance, and hands-on leadership throughout the season.

A key leadership pillar was the appointment of co-captains Kate Heffernan and Kimiora Poi, alongside defender Abby Lawson, ensuring experience and strategic direction across the midcourt and defensive structures.

Early in the season, injury challenges, including the temporary absence of co-captain Heffernan, tested squad depth. In a unique display of versatility, Leota even stepped onto the court as a temporary replacement player, contributing her leadership directly in matches.

On court, the Steel produced a number of standout performances. Highlights included a commanding 64–56 win over the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic in Invercargill, with shooter Aliyah Dunn converting 43 of 45 attempts, and a 62–46 victory over the Northern Stars in Auckland.

One of the season’s most thrilling encounters saw the Steel edge the Central Pulse 58–57 in Wellington, showcasing the team’s competitiveness and belief in clutch moments.

Narrow losses, including a 56–52 defeat to the Northern Mystics, underscored the tight margins in a condensed 10-round format. Despite spirited efforts, the Steel finished fourth in the regular season, their highest position since 2022, narrowly missing finals qualification.

Emerging players featured prominently, gaining valuable ANZ Premiership experience and reflecting the strength of the South Zone pathway.

Defender Khanye’-Lii Munro-Nonoa stepped into significant game time as an interim replacement, adding versatility and energy. Midcourter Kate Heffernan celebrated her 100th ANZ Premiership game during the season, a milestone that reflected her ongoing contribution before her career move to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in 2026.

Off the court, the Steel maintained strong engagement with the South Zone community. Players were actively involved in school visits, centre activations, and the Steel Roadie, inspiring the next generation of netballers.

The 2025 season demonstrated the team’s resilience, the value of leadership, and the promise of emerging talent. The foundations laid by Frew and the wider team provide a clear platform for continued growth and successfor the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and the wider South Zone netball community.

NATIONAL NETBALL LEAGUE

In 2025, Abbey McKenzie leads the Southern Blast team as Head Coach for a second time. She was supported by Assistant Coach Natalie Mathews, Apprentice Coach Megan Anderson, and Team Manager Rachael Parker. The Southern Blast faced a challenging National Netball League season, with the team narrowly losing all five of their matches. Despite the results, the season provided valuable learning opportunities and exposure for a young and developing group.

There were also several individual highlights, with Holly McRae making her ANZ Premiership debut and Laura Balmer earning an Injury Replacement Player contract with the Central Pulse ahead of the 2025 season.

While the outcomes on the scoreboard did not always reflect the team’s effort and potential, this group has laid a strong foundation for future success. The experience gained throughout the season will serve the athletes and coaching group well as they continue to develop within the performance pathway.

NATIONAL AGE GROUP PERFORMANCES

In July, five teams from the South Zone travelled to Auckland to compete at the Netball New Zealand Under 18 Championships and Men’s Under 18 Championships. The Zone was represented by teams from Dunedin, Invercargill, Eastern Southland, and North Otago, while Invercargill also fielded a team in the Men’s Under 18 Grade. The South Zone was also strongly represented in officiating, with five umpires appointed to the NNZ U18 Champs, supported on-site by Colleen Bond. The group stayed together throughout the tournament, ensuring ongoing feedback and connection, and providing a valuable support network for developing officials. The championships provided an excellent opportunity for both players and umpires to test themselves against the best from across the country and to experience the different playing and officiating styles from other regions.

Final Placings:

Dunedin finished 2nd, Invercargill 15th, Eastern Southland 31st, and North Otago 33rd. The Invercargill Men’s U18 team also performed strongly, finishing 7th overall.

NEW ZEALAND MEN’S AND MIXED NETBALL ASSOCIATION (NZMMNA)

It was great to see Dunedin Netball Centre and Invercargill Netball Centre send Open Men’s teams to the NZMMNA Nationals in Hawkes Bay. Dunedin finished 6th in A Grade and Invercargill placed 4th in B Grade. Players across both teams were requested to attend NZ trials where five players were selected in the NZ U20s team: Josh Cocker named Captain (INC), Charlie Baynes (INC), Ollie Lemin (INC), Jed McIntosh (INC), and Vincent Laban (DNC). The NZ U20 team placed 3rd in the Men’s Netball Nations Series that took place in Singapore.

2025 Competitions

Competitions run by Netball South in 2025 resulted in the following placings:

Southland Secondary School Championships

SENIOR A

1st James Hargest Gold A

2nd Southland Girls Senior A

3rd Wakatipu High School

SENIOR B

1st Wakatipu High School

2nd James Hargest Gold B

3rd Central Southland College

YEAR 10

1st James Hargest College

2nd Wakatipu High School

3rd Central Southland College

YEAR 9

1st Southland Girls High School

2nd Central Southland College

3rd Wakatipu High School

Otago Secondary School Championships

SENIOR A SECTION 1

1st St Hilda’s Senior A

2nd Columba College A

3rd Dunstan High School

SENIOR A SECTION 2

1st Blue Mountain College

2nd Bayfield High School

3rd Tokomairiro High School

SENIOR B

1st St Hildas Senior B

2nd Columba College B

3rd South Otago High School

YEAR 10

1st Columba 10A

2nd Mt Aspiring College 10A

3rd Waitaki Girls

YEAR 9

1st Columba 9A

2nd Mt Aspiring College 9A

3rd Wakatipu High School

2025 Honours and Achievements

In 2025, Netball South players, teams, coaches, officials, and administrators made a strong impact at regional, national, and international levels. These honours reflect outstanding achievement and the depth of netball in our zone with these successes having been achieved by the support and dedication of many. Role models are essential, and we are proud to recognise those who inspire and lead by example.

NZ Silver Ferns

Kate Heffernan

Georgia Heffernan

Carys Stythe

Kimiora Poi

Liana Leota - Silver Ferns Assistant Coach for Constellation Cup

Liana Leota - Silver Ferns Assistant Coach for Taini Jamison Trophy

NZ Under 21s

Khanye'-Lii Munro-Nonoa

Laura Balmer

Ella Southby

Serina Daunakamakama

Summer Temu (Non-Travelling Reserve)

NZ Secondary Schools

Ruby Hore St Hildas – NZSS

Aya Moetaua St Hildas – NZSS A Kiana Brown Columba – Reserve

Jo Morrison Head Coach – NZSS

NZ Emerging Talent Panel Selector

Deb Tasi-Cordtz Dunedin

NZ Men’s Under 20s

Josh Cocker (Captain) Invercargill

Ollie Lemin Invercargill

Charlie Baynes Invercargill

Jed McIntosh Invercargill

Vincent Laban Dunedin

International and National Recognition

Kate Heffernan

- ANZ Silver Ferns Player of the Year

Khanye'-Lii Munro-Nonoa

- U21 Player of the Year

Khanye'-Lii Munro-Nonoa

- PUMA Aspiring Silver Fern

Netball South Gala Awards

Aliyah Dunn

-Steel Player of the Year

Carys Stythe

-Steel People’s Choice MVP

Kimiora Poi

-Wendy Frew Medal

Abby Lawson

-Steel Game Changer Award

Carys Stythe

-Steel Personality of the Year

Kimiora Poi

-Steel Community Engagement Award

Abby Lawson

-Steel Community Engagement Award

Aliyah Dunn

-Steel Buckets Award

Holly McRae

-Blast Player of the Year

Lucy Morrison

-Blast Most Improved Player Award

2025 Ascot Park Hotel Southern

Steel

Kimiora Poi (Co-Captain)

Kate Heffernan (Co-Captain)

Aliyah Dunn

Abby Lawson

Georgia Heffernan

Carys Stythe

Renee Savai’inaea

Summer Temu

Serina Daunakamakama

Dakota Thomas

- Ruled out due to injury

Khanye'-Lii Munro-Nonoa

- Injury replacement

Liana Leota

- Injury replacement

Holly McRae

- Injury replacement

Kate Lloyd

- Injury replacement

Grace Namana

- Injury replacement

Holly McRae

- Training Partner

Grace Southby

- Training Partner

Wendy Frew Head Coach

Liana Leota Assistant Coach

Dayna Kaio Manager

Stacey Allen Physiotherapist

Josie McKerchar Strength & Conditioning

Netball South Southern Blast

Charlotte Lourey

Ella Mackenzie

Emilie Nicholson

Hannah Symon

Lucy Morrison

Mickey Jones

Millie Hassall

Neve Beattie

Praise Hola

Sovaia Sabutu

Grace Southby

Holly McRae

Ana Cagi Moi Training Partner

Brenna Lyons Training Partner

Millie Mackenzie Training Partner

Abbey McKenzie Head Coach

Natalie Mathews Assistant Coach

Megan Anderson Apprentice Coach

Amelia Wardell Physio

Rachael Parker Manager

National Development Camp

Addison McHaffie St Peters

Amaya East Mt Aspiring

Avie Morgan Dunstan High School

Aya Moetaua St Hildas

Giselle Hagan Otago Girls

Grace Tiko Otago Girls

Joanna Ellenden Southland Girls

Kiana Brown Columba

Libby Crawford James Hargest

Mischa Patson Otago Girls

Ruby Duffy Southland Girls

Ruby Hore St Hildas

Sadie Mason Twizel Area School

Shanti Kara Columba College

Teuila Tasi-Cordtz Otago Girls

Lee Greig (Apprentice Coach) Invercargill

Talented Players

Aya Moetaua St Hildas

Grace Tiko Otago Girls

Joanna Ellenden Southland Girls

Kyla Ashton St Hildas

Ruby Duffy Southland Girls

Abby McKinney South Otago High School

Elri Geldenhuys South Otago High School

Hazel Mason Twizel Area School

Molly Stumbles Queens High School

Olivia Ludemen South Otago High School

Renee Geddes Queens High School

Rya Kennedy Maruawai College

Sadie Mason Twizel Area School

Steel Steps Development Programme

Bella Breen Central Otago

Sky Sanders Central Otago

Eve Sinnamon Central Otago

Lily Cochran Central Southland

Jordis Cowan Central Southland

Libby Fox Central Southland

Leah Langford Central Southland

Taria Woodward Central Southland

Charlee Farquhar Dunedin

Sienna Forgie Dunedin

Libby Jones Dunedin

Bella McEntyre Dunedin

Tessa Steele Dunedin

Camryn Tutty Dunedin

Pippa Williams Dunedin

Anna McMullen Eastern Southland

Courtney Scanlan Eastern Southland

Libby Young Eastern Southland

Lucy Crawford Invercargill

Charlee Hegarty Invercargill

Hannah Miller Invercargill

International

Sasha McLeod

- Netball World Youth Cup, Gibraltar

Colleen Bond

- World Netball – International Testing Panel Umpire Assessment Panel, Taini

Jamison Series

National Umpire Squad

Kristie Simpson

Sasha McLeod

Alannah Robinson

ANZ Premiership

Kristie Simpson

- Final ANZ Premiership – Round Robin

Sasha McLeod

- ANZ Premiership – Round Robin

Alannah Robinson

- ANZ Premiership Standby & SHNL

Umpire

Colleen Bond

-Performance Reviewer/Selector

150 ANZ Premiership Games

Milestone

Kristie SimpsonEastern Southland

NNZ Umpire of the Year

Kristie Simpson (Joint)Eastern Southland

NNZ Open Champs - Umpires

Susan Fitzgibbon Invercargill

Shannon MichelleUpper Clutha

Colleen Bond (Umpire Panel)Netball South

NZ Secondary Schools Umpire

Susan Fitzgibbon Invercargill (Appointed to 1st/2nd Final)

NZ Under 18's

Angela McDonaldEastern Southland

Grace Watson Dunedin

Shannon MichelleUpper Clutha (Appointed to 3rd/4th Final)

Lucy Turner Dunedin

Teri McCrackenCentral Southland

Terie Wilson (Development)Invercargill

Colleen Bond (Coach Support)Netball South

Kristie Simpson (Umpire Coaching Panel) Eastern Southland

South Island Secondary Schools –Umpire Panel

Colleen Bond

Sasha McLeod

Alexis Wadsworth

Rosey Smith

Richard Jocelyn

Christine Dyer

South Island Secondary Schools –Talent Umpire Group

Anjia Hamilton SGHS

Claudia PatersonMt Aspiring College

Hannah Bray Taieri College

Zone Award: Colleen Bond Trophy –Umpire of the Year

Kristie SimpsonEastern Southland

Southland Award: Louise Smith

Talented Umpire of the Year

Susan Fitzgibbon Invercargill

Watchlist Umpire Coach

Appointment South Zone

Kristie Simpson

Watchlist Umpire Appointment

South Zone

Susan Fitzgibbon

Zone Theory Umpires

Ally Hirschfeld Dunedin

Amie CurrieEastern Southland

Charlee Hegarty Invercargill

Claudia PatersonUpper Clutha

Dylan Kawana-WaughInvercargill

Emily Nicholson Invercargill

Emma HanleyEastern Southland

Jessica ColemanCentral Otago

Karyn Quaid Upper Clutha

Kathryn Dawe Dunedin

Lana Whipp Upper Clutha

Lisa SutherlandCentral Southland

Madison Cummings Dunedin

Nevaeh Reddy Upper Clutha

Rachel Mortimer Dunedin

Ramari WilliamsSouth Otago

Zone Practical Umpire Endorsements

Alice Read North Otago

Alison CormackEastern Southland

Allison McDonaldInvercargill

Ashleigh Cummings nee SinclairEastern Southland

Briar Michell North Otago

Dana RobinsonEastern Southland

Hope Rae Eastern Southland

Karyn Quaid Upper Clutha

Krista MarshEastern Southland

Melissa KingEastern Southland

Rachel Fowler North Otago

Rachel Scobie Dunedin

Renee Webster North Otago

Zone Practical Umpire Awards

Aimee Jones Dunedin

Bridgette LindsayCentral Southland

Claudia PatersonUpper Clutha

Emma ClearwaterSouth Otago

Kim Whipp Central Otago

Mackenze Leask Invercargill

Samual Paton Dunedin

Tessa CubitCentral Southland

Tyla Hay South Otago

NZ C Theory

Aimee Jones Dunedin

Alanah VinsonCentral Southland

Gabbie Guise Invercargill

Hilary White South Otago

Kristen HumpherysUpper Clutha

Kylie Fraser Dunedin

Maddi Marriott Dunedin

Nicole Cope North Otago

Rachel TempletonInvercargill

NZ C Practical Endorsement

Bridget SimEastern Southland

Belinda KnappEastern Southland

Becky Slade Central Otago

Lucy Turner Dunedin

NZ C Practical Award

Grace Watson Dunedin

Hailee Bird Dunedin

Isla Redgrave Dunedin

IUA Endorsement

Nil

2025 BENCH OFFICIAL APPOINTMENTS

National Revalidation

Victoria Howden

Carolyn Leonard

Annitta Michelle

Sandra Stewart

Talai Anderson

Tania Pleace

National Zone Accreditation

NZ Silver Ferns Series – Taini

Jamison Trophy

Julie Erskine

Irene Leonard

Sandra Stewart

Talai Anderson

NNZ Open Champs

Irene LeonardEastern Southland

Carolyn LeonardEastern Southland

Christine ThomsonCentral Southland

Kristina Harden Invercargill

NZ Secondary Schools

Nikki Gay Invercargill

Sharron Ridd Invercargill

Totals:

National Qualified: 26 (15 Southland & 11 Otago)

Zone Qualified: 6 (3 Southland & 3 Otago)

Cadets: 15 (7 Southland & 8 Otago)

COMMUNITY COACH AWARDS

LEVEL 1

Tim Coupe Invercargill

Emma Dempsey Invercargill

Ali ShallueCentral Southland

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Netball South Zone Incorporated for the year ended 30 November 2025

STATEMENT OF SERVICE PERFORMANCE

Netball South Zone Incorporated

For the year ended 30 November 2025

Netball South is a regional sports organisation and incorporated society affiliated to Netball New Zealand, providing netball services and support to 12,800 players, coaches, game officials and volunteers at 11 netball centres at grassroots level across Otago and Southland. We provide advice and support to the 11 netball centre volunteer boards and committees, deliver development programmes, promote netball via events and tournaments and advocate for netball in the South with regional and national sporting and government bodies. Netball South Zone Incorporated also holds the license for the Southern Steel netball team that plays in the New Zealand professional competition – ANZ Premiership.

Purpose: To grow our netball community and enrich their lives through enabling the delivery of exceptional netball experiences by ourselves and our members.

Goal: To harness the strengths of our game in the South and innovate the potential of our netball community and widen the appeal of the game.

PRIORTY AREA 1 - Community

Drive increases in participation by building an understanding of our members and their preferences and developing netball experiences which are tailored to their needs.

Performance Measure – Increase in registered participation numbers across our zone.

Measurement – NNZ Membership return numbers. We collect these figures from the centres in our zone over two membership returns during the year. Total number of players, coaches and umpires are recorded. Please note that for some categories we collect the number of teams rather than players, so it is assumed that there are 10 players per team.

PRIORTY AREA 2 - Performance

Deliver an elite netball team to compete in the ANZ Premiership, which continues to build financial sustainability while providing a championship winning environment that produces a team able to consistently achieve a placing in the final series (top 3).

Performance Measure – Achieve a top 3 finish in the ANZ Premiership to make the final series.

Measurement – Southern Steel final position on the ANZ Premiership points table at the end of the round robin. 1st, 2nd, 3rd make the final series.

PRIORTY AREA 3 - Optimising the Zone

Grow Steel memberships and ticket sales.

Performance Measure – Increase in year-on-year Steel season membership numbers and casual ticket sales.

Memberships - 706

- 5,589 Memberships - 723

*8 homes games (2 x Dunedin, 6 x Invercargill)

*5 homes games (1 x Dunedin, 4 x Invercargill)

Measurement – Total number of season memberships purchased for the season as well as total number of casual tickets sold across all home games hosted. Data collected from our ticketing platforms. Number of home games hosted per season noted for reference.

STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE REVENUE AND EXPENSES

Netball South Zone Incorporated

For the year ended 30 November 2025

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and notes that follow.

STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

Netball South Zone Incorporated

For the year ended 30 November 2025

Funds Balance at 1 December 2023 (under special purpose policies)

Adjustments on transition to PBE Standards RDR:

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and notes that follow.

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

Netball South Zone Incorporated

For the year ended 30 November 2025

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and notes that follow.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

Netball South Zone Incorporated As at 30 November 2025

These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the accounting policies and notes that follow.

SIGNED FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD:

Dean Johnston, Chair 12 March 2026

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Netball South Zone Incorporated

For the year ended 30 November 2025

1Reporting Entity

Netball South Zone Incorporated (NSZI) is an Incorporated Society registered under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. NSZI is a Public Benefit Entity.

The financial statements and the accompanying notes summarise the financial results of activities carried out by NSZI.

The financial statements for NSZI are for the year ended 30 November 2025. They were authorised for issue by the Board on 12 March 2026.

2Statement of Compliance

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice in NZ ("NZ GAAP"). They comply with Public Benefit Entity International Public Sector Accounting Standards ("PBE IPSAS") and other applicable financial reporting standards as appropriate that have been authorised for use by the External Reporting Board for Not-For-Profit Entities. For the purposes of complying with NZ GAAP, NSZI is a public benefit not for profit entity and has opted to apply Tier 2 Not-For-Profit PBE IPSAS on the basis that it does not have public accountability and it is not defined as large.

The Board has elected to report in accordance with Tier 2 Not-For-Profit PBE Accounting Standards and in doing so has taken advantage of all applicable Reduced Disclosure Regime (RDR) disclosure concessions.

3 Summary of Accounting Policies

The significant accounting policies used in the preparation of these financial statements as set out below have been applied consistently to both years presented in these financial statements, except as explained in Note 3.2, which addresses changes in accounting policies.

3.1Basis of Preparation

These financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost and under the assumption that NSZI will continue to operate as a going concern in the foreseeable future.

3.2Transition to PBE Standards

These financial statements are the first prepared in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Accounting Standards – Reduced Disclosure Regime (PBE Standards RDR) issued by the External Reporting Board (XRB). Previously, NSZI prepared its financial statements using special purpose accounting policies.

Reason for Transition

The Incorporated Societies Act 2022 requires all incorporated societies to prepare financial statements that comply with accounting standards issued by the XRB. As the Society meets the definition of a Public Benefit Entity (PBE) under the XRB framework, it is required to apply PBE Standards. Based on its size and public accountability, the Society has elected to apply Tier 2 PBE Standards RDR, which allows reduced disclosure requirements.

Date of Transition

NSZI transitioned to PBE Standards RDR on 1 December 2023, which is the beginning of the comparative period.

Impact of Transition –––

The adoption of PBE Standards RDR has resulted in changes to accounting policies and presentation. The most significant changes include:

Presentation of financial statements in accordance with PBE IPSAS 1.

Revenue recognition under PBE IPSAS 9 (Exchange Transactions) and PBE IPSAS 23 (Non-Exchange Transactions).

Enhanced disclosures for related parties and commitments.

Comparative Information

Comparative figures have been restated to comply with PBE Standards RDR.

Reconciliation of Surplus (Statement of Financial Performance)

under PBE Standards RDR

Reconciliation of Assets and Liabilities (Statement of Financial Position) as at 30 November 2023

as at 30 November 2024

3.3Functional and Presentational Currency

The financial statements are presented in New Zealand dollars ($), which is NSZI's functional currency. All numbers presented have been rounded to the nearest dollar, unless otherwise stated.

3.4Revenue

Revenue is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefit will flow to NSZI and revenue can be reliably measured. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration receivable. The following specific recognition criteria must be met before revenue is recognised.

Revenue from non-exchange transactions

Non-exchange income is where NSZI receives value from another entity without giving approximately equal value in exchange.

Grant Revenue

Grant revenue includes grants received from Gaming Trust funders, Community Trusts and Local Government organisations. Grant revenue is recognised in the Statement of Comprehensive Revenue and Expenses when the conditions attached to the grant have been complied with. Where there are unfulfilled conditions attached to the grant, the amount relating to the unfulfilled condition is recognised as a liability and released to the Statement of Comprehensive Revenue and Expense as revenue when the conditions are fulfilled.

When non-exchange revenue is received with restrictions attached, but no requirement to return the asset if not deployed as specified, then revenue is recognised on receipt.

Revenue from exchange transactions

Exchange income is where NSZI receives income for services and gives approximately equal value to another entity in exchange.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship income is recognised over the period of the contract as the benefits are supplied by NSZI.

Sponsorship In Kind

Sponsorship in-kind includes sports apparel and media, and is recognised in revenue and expenses when the goods and services are received. Sponsorships in-kind are measured at their fair value as at the date of the acquisition, ascertained be reference to the expected cost that would be otherwise incurred by the NSZI.

Event Revenue

Event Revenue is recognised in the period in which the event took place.

Membership Fees

Membership fees for the full year are recognised at the earlier of when consideration is received or receivable. Where membership fees are received in advance, the amount is recorded as a liability (income in advance) and recognised as revenue when the membership term occurs.

Interest

Interest income is recognised as it accrues using the effective interest method.

3.5Financial Instruments

Recognition

Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when NSZI becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the financial instrument. This typically occurs on the trade date, which is the date NSZI commits to purchase or sell the asset.

Derecognition

A financial asset is derecognised when:

-The contractual rights to receive cash flows from the asset expire or are waived; or -NSZI transfers the rights to receive the contractual cashflows and either: *transfers substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership; or *neither transfers nor retains substantially all the risks and rewards but has transferred control of the asset.

A financial liability is derecognised when it is extinguished, discharged, cancelled, or expires.

Classification and Measurement of Financial Assets

At initial recognition, financial assets are measured at fair value plus transaction costs, unless the asset is classified at fair value through surplus or deficit (FVTSD), in which case transaction costs are expensed immediately.

Subsequent measurement depends on the classification of the financial asset, which is determine based on:

-NSZI's business model for managing the financial asset -the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial asset

NSZI's financial assets include cash, cash equivalents, investments, receivables from exchange and non-exchange transactions.

Financial assets are classified as below:

Amortised Cost

Financial assets are measured at amortised cost if :

-They are held within a business model whose objective is to collect contractual cash flows; and

-The contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on the principal amount outstanding

These assets are subsequently measured using the effective interest method, less any expected credit loss (ECL) allowance. Interest income is recognised in surplus or deficit.

Classification and Measurement of Financial Liabilities

Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, unless designated at FVTSD.

NSZI's financial liabilities include trade and other payables. These are non-derivative liabilities not held for trading and are measured at amortised cost.

3.6Foreign

Transactions in foreign currencies are translated into New Zealand Dollars (functional currency) at spot exchange rates at the dates of the transactions. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies at the reporting date are translated to New Zealand dollars at the exchange rate at that date. The foreign currency gain or loss on monetary items is recognised in revenue or expenses as part of the surplus or deficit.

3.7Leases

Payments made under operating leases are recognised in surplus or deficit on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Leases are classified at their inception as either operating or finance leases based on the economic substance of the agreement so as to reflect the risks and benefits incidental to ownership.

3.8Income

NSZI is a non-profit body for taxation purposes under section CW 46 of the Income Tax Act 2007 and as such no taxation is payable on the profit for the year.

3.9Goods and Services Tax

Income, expenditure and assets and liabilities are recognised exclusive of Goods and Services Tax (GST), with the exception of accounts receivable and accounts payable which are recognised inclusive of GST, where invoiced.

The net amount of GST recoverable from, or payable to, Inland Revenue is included as part of receivables or payables in the statement of financial position.

Cashflows are included in the statement of cashflows on a gross basis and the GST component of cashflows arising from investing and financing activities, which is recoverable from, or payable to, Inland Revenue is classified as part of operating cashflows.

4Significant Accounting Judgements, Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of the NSZI financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities, and the accompanying disclosures, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Uncertainty about these assumptions and estimates could result in outcomes that require a material adjustment to the carrying amount of assets or liabilities affected in future periods.

Estimates and Assumptions

The key assumptions concerning the future and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are described below. NSZI based its assumptions and estimates on parameters available when the financial statements were prepared. Existing circumstances and assumptions about future developments, however, may change due to market changes or circumstances arising beyond the control of NSZI. Such changes are reflected in the assumptions when they occur.

Revenue Recognition

Determining whether a grant contains conditions or restrictions

Management exercises significant judgement in determining whether grant agreements received contain conditions that require the return of funds if specified obligations are not met, or whether they contain only restrictions that limit how funds may be used but do not create a return obligation.

In making these assessments, management evaluates each agreement by considering the existence of enforceable return obligations, the specificity and measurability of required outcomes, and NSZI's ability to demonstrate compliance with the requirements. Where grant agreements include multiple or complex requirements, further judgement is required to distinguish whether these requirements represent substantive conditions that impact revenue recognition or administrative requirements that do not.

Revenue in Kind – fair value determination

NSZI receives donated goods, volunteer services, and other services in kind that support its operations.

Management applies significant judgement in assessing whether the donated goods or services provide future economic benefits or service potential and whether their fair value can be measured reliably.

When revenue in kind is recognised, management estimates its fair value using observable market prices for comparable goods or services, quoted rates from suppliers or professional service providers, or replacement cost when market evidence is not readily available. This process involves further judgement in identifying relevant market data, assessing the quality and condition of donated goods, and determining whether donated services are sufficiently specialised and would otherwise have required payment.

5Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and at banks, short-term deposits with an original maturity of three months or less held at call with financial institutions.

Revenue is deferred and recognised as a liability when it relates to a specific event or project. Revenue is recognised when the conditions have been satisfied.

Payments made under operating leases are recognised in surplus or deficit on a straight line basis over the term of the lease. Leases are classified at their inception as either operating or finance leases based on the economic substance of the agreement so as to reflect the risks and benefits incidental to ownership.

Key management personnel, as defined by PBE IPSAS 20 Related Party Disclosures, are the members of the governing body. The Board, Chief Executive Officer and Senior Management constitute the governing body of NSZI. The aggregate remuneration of key management personnel and the number of individuals, determined on a full-time basis, receiving remuneration is as follows:

The Chief Executive Officer and senior management team consists of 4.25 full-time equivalent employees (2024: 5.1).

There were no guarantees or contingencies for 2025. (2024: $nil)

There have been no events subsequent to balance date that would have a material impact on the Financial Statements. (2024: $nil).

Independent Auditor’s Report

To the Members of Netball South Zone Incorporated

Opinion

We have audited the general-purpose financial statements (hereinafter referred to as ‘financial statements’) of Netball South Zone Incorporated (the ‘Society’), which comprises the financial statements on pages 29 to 38 and the service performance information on page 28. The complete set of financial statements comprises the statement of financial position as at 30 November 2025, the statement of comprehensive revenue and expenses, statement of changes in equity, statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies.

In our opinion the accompanying financial statements presents fairly, in all material respects:

 the financial position of the Netball South Zone Incorporated as at 30 November 2025, and its financial performance, and its cash flows for the year then ended; and

 service performance for the year ended 30 November 2025, in that the service performance information is appropriate and meaningful and prepared in accordance with the Society’s measurement bases or evaluation methods

in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime issued by the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit of the financial statements in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (New Zealand) (ISAs (NZ)) and the audit of the service performance information in accordance with the ISAs (NZ) and New Zealand Auditing Standard (NZ AS) 1 The Audit of Service Performance Information Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report.

We are independent of the Society in accordance with Professional and Ethical Standard 1 International Code of Ethics for Assurance Practitioners (including International Independence Standards)(New Zealand) issued by the New Zealand Auditing and Assurance Standards Board and the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Other than our capacity as auditor, we have no relationship with, or interests in, the Society.

Other information

The Board is responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the Society’s annual report for the year ended 30 November 2025, reported from pages 1 to 27 and pages to 4 (but does not include the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon), which we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of audit opinion or assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information identified above and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements, or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If, based on the work we have performed on the other information that we obtained prior to the date of this auditor’s report, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Responsibilities of the Board for the financial statements

The Board is responsible, on behalf of the Netball South Zone Incorporated, for:

(a)the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements and service performance information in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime issued by the New Zealand Accounting Standards Board;

(b)the selection of elements/aspects of service performance, performance measures and/or descriptions and measurement bases or evaluation methods that present service performance information that is appropriate and meaningful in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime;

(c)the preparation and fair presentation of service performance information in accordance with the Society’s measurement bases or evaluation methods, in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime;

(d)the overall presentation, structure and content of the service performance information in accordance with Public Benefit Entity Standards Reduced Disclosure Regime; and

(e)such internal control as the Board determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements and service performance information that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Board is responsible for assessing the Society’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Board either intend to liquidate the Society or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole, and the service performance information, are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (NZ) and NZ AS 1 (Revised) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate or collectively, they could reasonably be expected to influence the decisions of users taken on the basis of this financial report.

A further description of the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located at the XRB’s website at:

https://www.xrb.govt.nz/assurance-standards/auditors-responsibilities/audit-report-13/

Who we report to

This report is made solely to the Members of the Society, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Members those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Society and the Members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

RSM Hayes Audit

12 March 2026 Auckland