Ngā Karere

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

nationalmanager@amnohl.com