Kurangaituku Netball Tournament
Hundreds of netball players will hit the courts in Rotorua this weekend, as one of the country's longest-running tournaments gets underway.
The Kurangaituku Netball Tournament, which runs over the next three weekends at the Westbrook Netball Complex, begins today, with more than 200 netball teams and players from across New Zealand and Australia taking part.
It's the 81st tournament and over the years it has attracted thousands of players and spectators and gained a reputation as one of the most thrilling tournaments in the country.
With a staggering 650 netball games played each weekend of the tournament, it wouldn't be short of action, organiser Mary Thompson said.
Teams from as far afield as Kaitaia, New Plymouth, Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, Wellington and Auckland will take part, she said.
There will also be a handful of players travelling from Australia.
Ms Thompson said she expected the tournament to be fun for players and those on the side lines. "It's a fun atmosphere down there, it's really enjoyable."
This weekend will involve about 200 teams, while next weekend about 160 will take part, with 50 school teams taking part on the third weekend.
Ms Thompson said she believed the tournament was so successful because it gave netball clubs an opportunity to play against teams from all across the country, no matter what level they were at.
"It gives players a chance to take part in a tournament at the end of season, and have a lot of fun," she said.
Food stalls and coffee carts will be at the event, as well as a stall selling merchandise.
Play begins at 8am and runs until 4pm today and tomorrow.
DETAILS
WHAT: Kurangaituku Netball Tournament.
WHERE: Westbrook Netball Complex, Malfroy Rd, Rotorua.
WHEN: Today and tomorrow, from 8am to 5pm.
COST: Free to watch.