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27 August 2025
Aotearoa Māori Netball Names Umpires for New South Wales Tour
Aotearoa Māori Netball Names Umpires for New South Wales Tour
Tū ora, tū kaha, tū mana, tū Māori
Aotearoa Māori Netball is pleased to announce the appointment of two umpires to support the upcoming Aotearoa Māori Netball New South Wales Tour, taking place in late September 2025.
As part of the organisation’s High Performance Strategy, umpire development has been identified as a key area of growth to ensure the sustainability of our game. National Netball Manager Ashleigh-Kate Araroa-Waerea says the investment into umpire development is vital for the future of Māori Netball:
“Without umpires, not only can our game not happen, but the development of our players, coaches and wider kaupapa will also lag. Ensuring our umpires have access to growth opportunities is essential to strengthening our movement.”
With guidance from AMNOHL Umpire Coordinator Leah Lazarus, a clear plan has been developed to engage and retain umpires at a national level. Leah says creating pathways and providing incentives are critical to keeping umpires connected to the kaupapa:
“We know this works — when our umpires have opportunities to travel and experience the game beyond our own shores, they are more motivated to continue. This is about making sure they see themselves as an integral part of the national picture.”
Lazarus acknowledges the collaborative support of Anthony Karauria (Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga) and Angela Armstrong-Lush (Ikaroa Ki Te Raki), who have helped ensure that the AMNOHL vision remains central to this strategy:
“Mahi like this cannot be done without the support of others. We have a vision, and it takes the right people to buy into that vision and help us drive it forward.”
The two umpires selected to travel are:
Joanie Coles (Waiariki/Aotea)
Desterney Reid (Ikaroa ki te Raki)
Their selection recognises consistent contribution to AMNOHL National Tournament participation, AMNOHL National Squad involvement, and attendance at recent development camps delivered alongside the AMNISS programme.
Araroa-Waerea says the initiative is an exciting extension of the pathways already in place:
“The AMNISS programme has shown us how targeted development can flourish over time. Including our umpires in opportunities like this tour is a natural next step. There will be learnings along the way, but that’s part of growth, and we know the benefits will be long-lasting.”
Both Joanie and Desterney have expressed their excitement at the opportunity to travel, learn, and further develop their umpiring skills alongside those in New South Wales.
This milestone marks a significant step forward for umpire development within Aotearoa Māori Netball, ensuring the kaupapa continues to thrive both on and off the court.
17 August 2025
Aotearoa Māori Netball Secondary Schools Team Annoucement 2025
Tū ora, tū kaha, tū mana, tū Māori
The AMNISS management team are proud to announce the travelling team who will represent AMNOHL in New South Wales this September.
Head Coach Ngarama Milner-Olsen has expressed her delight at the calibre of players selected, sharing that she is “ecstatic around the level of commitment each player has dedicated in order to be prepared for selection. The hard work, sacrifice and passion each of these young women have shown has been inspiring, and I couldn’t be prouder."
National Netball Manager Ashleigh-Kate Araroa-Waerea echoed these sentiments, noting that she is “excited for the cohort that will be travelling, and the journey ahead of them.” She further shared that "this is a special group – the resilience and maturity they have shown to balance multiple commitments and still prepare at such a high standard is a credit to them, their whānau and their support networks.”
This year’s pathway to selection has looked a little different. In the past, a squad camp was held prior to any team naming. However, with the unique circumstances of this year’s calendar, the management team have leaned on hub connections, data sharing, and valuable input from across the netball landscape. This holistic approach has ensured that every player’s performance at various levels of the game has been taken into account.
Congratulations to the following players:
Travelling Team:
Liliana Wills - Waiariki
Te Ao Rangi Tawhara - Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga
Bella Vaaitoa *subject to medical - Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga
Kaziah Riley-Rata - Tainui
Sasha Tobin - Tāmaki-makaurau
Te Arani Vulu - Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga
Ella-Grace Churchward - Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga
Maddie Zimmerman - Ikaroa Ki Te Raki
Zoe Jacob - Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga
Ivana-Maire Thomson-Laulu - Ikaroa Ki Te Tonga
Anika Pihema *subject to medical - Te Raki Paewhenua
Aria Gardiner - Tāmaki-makaurau
Jordahna Matthes - Tainui
Hinemaioha Rolleston-Gabel - Tainui
Non-Traveling Reserves
Moana Uerata - Waiariki
Calais Topia-Chesley - Tainui
Manaia White - Waiariki
Travelling alongside the team as AMNOHL representatives will be Caroline Te Paa and Mary-Jane Araroa, both of whom are thrilled to be supporting the players as they take on this exciting challenge.
As the team now turns their focus to final preparations ahead of departure, there is excitement and passion for all those returning and debutants selected this year. We look forward to watching this talented group take to the court in New South Wales and represent with pride, determination, and excellence.
Mauri ora ki a tātou!
– Ends –
For media enquiries, please contact:
Parekura Cribb
National Manager
Aotearoa Māori Netball
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