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From Curbside to Courtside: Celebrating New Zealand’s Netball Volunteers of the Year

Netball New Zealand has celebrated the people who keep the game moving every week, announcing this year’s WM New Zealand Volunteer of the Year winners across coaching, officiating, administration, youth leadership, and community impact.

The Volunteer of the Year Awards are part of the annual New Zealand Netball Awards, recognising excellence and contribution across all levels of the game — from grassroots to elite.

A special thank you goes to WM New Zealand for supporting the awards and helping honour those who give so much to the sport.

“Volunteers bring so much heart to our communities,” says Evan Maehl, Managing Director of WM New Zealand. “Their commitment and energy are what keep local sport thriving. WM New Zealand is proud to celebrate these people who give their time and passion so generously to help others play, connect, and grow. It’s truly worthwhile mahi that makes a lasting difference.”

National Programme Manager for Community Netball, Jenna Murie, says recognising volunteers is both heartfelt and strategic.

“Volunteers are the heartbeat of our sport. Celebrating their contributions strengthens our volunteer culture and inspires others to get involved. It’s also a way to uphold manaakitanga and acknowledge the deep impact volunteers have on the wellbeing and success of our netball whānau.”

Murie says nominees stood out for their resilience, innovation, and aroha.

“So many went above and beyond, adapting to challenges, mentoring young people, and creating inclusive environments. Their impact reaches far beyond the court by strengthening community connections.”

2024 WM New Zealand Volunteer of the Year Winners

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Administrator of the Year - Barbara (Barb) Bialy, Netball Hutt Valley (Central)


A longstanding member of Netball Hutt Valley and recipient of a Netball New Zealand Service Award, Barb has dedicated more than four decades to the game as a coach, umpire, and administrator.

As President of Netball Hutt Valley and Chair of Hutt Valley Secondary Schools Netball, she has built pathways that help rangatahi thrive on and off the court.

Her leadership and commitment have shaped generations of players, coaches, and officials.

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Official of the Year – Alison Tranter, Howick Pakuranga (Northern)

 

A nationally qualified technical official and Centre Executive Member, Alison combines governance with high-level bench work.

In 2024 she officiated at the ANZ Premiership, National Netball League, Constellation Cup, Taini Jamison Trophy, and New Zealand Opens Grand Final.

Known for her precision, calm, and professionalism, she also mentors new officials and brings a steady, practical voice to Centre leadership.

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Coach of the Year – Emily Amey, Auckland (Northern)


Emily led the Selwyn College Premier team to its highest grade placement and coached Auckland U14s, guiding young players through multiple tournaments.

She reduced UNISS player costs by half through fundraising, opened doors to club opportunities, and completed her CCA2 qualification.

As a College Rifles committee member, she mentors other coaches and fosters inclusive, confidence-building environments.

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Youth Volunteer of the Year (U21) – Isabella (Izzy) Harrison, Mellons Bay & Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre (Northern)

 

As the youngest committee member at Mellons Bay, Izzy schedules umpires for up to 13 games each week, umpires for HPNC, and mentors younger officials.

After the 2024 season, she created a preseason training programme for Year 7 umpires, lifting confidence and standards.

Izzy’s initiative and fairness on court are building a sustainable umpire pathway for her club and Centre.

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Community Champion of the Year – Lahraine Sagaga, Ulalei Wainuiomata (Central)


Lahraine treats volunteering like a second job, leading fundraising, prizegivings, and community events while coaching club and school teams and running free UlaFit sessions three mornings a week.

She secures facilities so cost is not a barrier and delivers free Sunday clinics for Year 5 and 6 players.

Her energy and relationships have increased access, grown young talent, and strengthened wellbeing across Wainuiomata.

We would also like to recognise those who make significant contributions and who the panel felt were Highly Commended nominations in their respected categories:

Highly Commended Administrator – Adrienne Ensor, Dunedin Netball (South)

Beginning as a high-school umpire 45 years ago, Adrienne has served at every level from courtside to the boardroom. She helped steady Netball Otago during challenging years as Board Chair, guided the transition to the South Zone, and continues to serve on the Dunedin Netball Board and Finance Committee. A life member of both Dunedin Netball and Netball South Zone, she still umpires and mentors officials, modelling service that strengthens the game from the ground up.

Highly Commended Coach – Samantha Hannah, Wellington (Central)

Sam juggled multiple roles in 2025, including assistant and often lead coach for East Netball’s premier side, lead coach at Wellington Girls’ College, and assistant coach for the Netball Wellington Centre U18s. She also served as wellbeing lead for the Opens programme. With a balance-is-better approach, Sam places player wellbeing at the centre of her coaching, supporting dozens of athletes while balancing a full-time job.

Highly Commended Youth Volunteer – Piper de Bono, Tauranga (WBOP)

Piper supports everything from Centre operations to umpire coaching while progressing her own officiating. She serves on the Youth Advisory Group at both Centre and Zone levels, umpires across all grades, and steps up for tournaments and men’s trainings to ensure games are covered. A positive role model, she is strengthening youth voice, improving development systems, and helping future officials find their feet.

Murie says volunteers touch every layer of the sport. “They coach, umpire, manage teams, run events, and support governance so players can participate and grow in safe, supportive environments. Volunteers also bring local flavour and cultural richness to netball, reflecting the communities we serve.”

There is a role for everyone – from coaching, umpiring, and team managing to scoring, events, governance, and digital help such as photography or social media. Centres and clubs can retain volunteers by providing clear role descriptions and training, creating inclusive environments, offering flexible opportunities, celebrating contributions, and inviting feedback.

“Ngā mihi nui ki a koutou,” says Murie. “Whether you’re on the sidelines, behind the scenes, or leading from the front, your contribution matters. We see you, we appreciate you, and we celebrate you.”

The WM New Zealand Netball Series

The WM New Zealand Netball Series brings the world’s best netballers to Aotearoa for two unmissable international showdowns. This year, the Silver Ferns will first face South Africa as they battle for the Taini Jamison Trophy, before taking on trans-Tasman rivals, the Australian Diamonds, in the fierce fight for the Constellation Cup.

With WM New Zealand as the official naming rights partner, we’re bringing fans closer to the action than ever — on court, online, and across the motu.