1 June 2026

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā kārangatanga maha huri noa te motua, tēnā koutou katoa.

Fifteen talented kōhine from across Aotearoa have been selected as part of the 2026 Aotearoa Māori Netball Secondary School Programme, with twelve players named in the team and three reserves selected following a highly competitive national selection process held this weekend.

The Aotearoa Māori Netball Oranga Healthy Lifestyles Trust (AMNOHL) is proud to announce the 2026 team and reserves, bringing together some of the most promising young Māori netball talent from throughout the motu.

The selection process showcased the depth and quality of Māori netball, with players demonstrating exceptional skill, determination, resilience, and commitment to the kaupapa throughout the weekend. Coaches were faced with difficult decisions as the standard of competition reflected the strength of development taking place across Aotearoa.

The 2026 team features a strong blend of experience and emerging talent, including several returning players from the successful 2025 campaign in Australia alongside a new generation of kōhine stepping into the national environment for the first time.

Head Coach Taz Tawhara said the future of Māori netball is bright, with the quality of players on display providing confidence for the years ahead.

"The level of competition throughout the trials was outstanding. Our selected team reflects a balance of experience, emerging talent, and strong leadership. We are excited about the journey ahead and the opportunities that lie before this rōpū kōhine."

The team's campaign toward the Pacific Rim Series in Tāmaki Makaurau this September is already underway. During the selection camp, the kōhine began establishing their collective foundations, creating their own Ngā Pou e Whā that will guide and support them throughout the campaign.

Over the coming months, the team will continue to connect through online wānanga before reuniting in camp as they prepare to represent Aotearoa Māori Netball on the international stage.

AMNOHL congratulates all players who attended trials and acknowledges the commitment shown by every kōhine throughout the selection process. We are excited to support this talented rōpū as they embark on their 2026 journey together.

2026 Aotearoa Māori Netball Secondary School Team

• Sailor Roebeck-Tua'a – Tāmaki Makaurau

• Te Ao Rangi Tawhara – Ikaroa ki te Tonga

• Leiria-Amoure Wharewaka-Vai – Tāmaki Makaurau

• Kiaarah Wilson – Tainui

• Sosina Malafu – Tāmaki Makaurau

• Zoe Jacob – Ikaroa ki te Tonga

• Caitlin Gabel – Tainui

• Aria Gardiner – Tāmaki Makaurau

• Georgia Barnes – Te Tai Tokerau

• Charlotte Tutavaha – Aotea

• Ivana-Maire Thomson-Laulu – Ikaroa ki te Tonga

• Maddi Zimmerman – Ikaaroa ki te Raki

2026 Aotearoa Māori Netball Secondary School Reserves

• Isabella Vaaitoa – Ikaroa ki te Tonga

• Bella Gardiner – Tāmaki Makaurau

• Calais Topia-Chelsey – Tainui

Tēnei te mihi ki a koutou e ngā kōhine o Aotearoa.  Congratulations on your selection. We wish you every success as you prepare to represent your whānau, your regions, and Aotearoa Māori Netball with pride.

For further information, please contact:

Elaine Wi
National Netball Manager
amnohl@amnohl.com