Netball Waitākere has been honoured with two prestigious APAC Insider Business Awards, cementing their position as leaders in community sports and advocates for inclusivity in the sports arena. The awards, recognise Netball Waitākere as the "Best Community Sport Provider 2023 – New Zealand" and bestowed upon them the esteemed "APAC Insider Inclusive Community Hero Award 2023."

“These awards are a testament to the passionate and committed community we have at Netball Waitākere that support us to achieve our strategic goals of Increasing participation and excellence in the sport of netball, creating a community hub with manaakitanga. We are proud to provide a foundation for our diverse rangatahi to thrive, both on and off the court.

Kei te tika te korero i ō tātou Tupuna, Poipoia te Kākano kia Puawai. Nurture the seed and it will blossom” – Murray Gardiner, General Manager

Netball Waitākere, has not only excelled in their off-court initiatives but has also displayed remarkable success on the court during the 2023 Representative Season. The organisation triumphed in various age categories, securing titles such as U14 North Island Champions, U16 North Island Champions, U17 Men National Champions, and U23 Men National Champions. Additionally, they achieved an impressive third place nationally in the U18 category.

Netball Waitākere’s commitment to the growth of men's netball in Aotearoa is evident through the introduction of a new Open Men's Club Competition and Secondary School Men’s Competition during the winter season. Netball Waitākere aims to provide a robust platform for men's netball, fostering talent and passion for the sport.

Another noteworthy initiative is the "No Limits, All Access" Adaptive Netball program, conducted in partnership with Netball New Zealand and Oaklynn & Arohanui Schools. The program focuses on netball activities and skills tailored for Rangatahi with disabilities and ran weekly during terms 3 and 4, promoting inclusivity and diversity in sports.

Breaking new ground, Netball Waitākere is set to become the first netball centre in New Zealand to host the Tāmaki Makaurau Rainbow Games in 2024. The multi-sport tournament is dedicated to the LGBTQI and allies community, aligning with Netball Waitākere's overarching focus on fostering inclusivity and diversity within their centre and the broader community.

The double triumph at the APAC Insider Business Awards reflects Netball Waitākere's unwavering commitment to community engagement, inclusivity, and the development of netball across diverse demographics.

Article added: Thursday 14 December 2023