Centre of the Year award to Gisborne

TOP CENTRE: Gisborne Netball Centre chairwoman Kate Faulks (right) and officials co-ordinator Julie Hansen represented GNC at the Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty annual awards, and were stunned when Gisborne was named Centre of the Year. They received the award from Challenge dealer network chairman Simon Bratton, on behalf of award sponsor Challenge. Picture by Michael Bradley Photography

GISBORNE Netball Centre’s outstanding season of solid competition, innovation and fun was rewarded with the Centre of the Year honour at the Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and community awards.

GNC chairwoman Kate Faulks and officials co-ordinator Julie Hansen received the award at a function in Hamilton.

“We were not expecting to win so it came as a bit of shock,” Faulks said. “It was certainly a thrill.”

Faulks said the centre acknowledged the work that went into providing all aspects of netball to the Gisborne-Tairawhiti area.

“It’s a game we are all passionate about and a platform that brings our community together.

“Jules and I were there to receive the award, but all those we work beside were there in spirit.

“I am very proud of our achievements. Netball continues to be the No.1 sport for women for a reason.”

The Gisborne, Morrinsville and Rotorua netball centres were finalists for the award, which covered the period from January to July.

During that time, GNC introduced the beach netball league (after a trial the previous summer), a junior intermediate twilight social league, a six-week under-15/u17 player development programme and a FutureFERNS programme for players from Year 3 to Y6.

There was also the Kathleen Henderson Memorial senior pre-season tournament, umpire technique workshops, the Bowie Tournament for Year 7 and Y8, a range of other workshops, and April and July holiday programmes for Year 5 to Y8 players.

As well, Gisborne hosted the national Maori tournament at Victoria Domain.

On top of all that, the Gisborne centre ran the premier, senior, secondary, intermediate and primary competitions.

Core umpire group numbers increased by 27 percent this year, and the number of intermediate teams increased.

“There was a 60 percent increase in beach netball teams and we had a 100 percent pass rate for zone theory exams,” Faulks said.

“We have also had the courts relined and gained funding to be able to cover three staff roles. We are always trying new initiatives to grow our profile and numbers, and involve ourselves in Netball New Zealand research where needed.”

Faulks said the district’s geographic isolation was challenging.

“But we do try to get involved in things to keep feeling in touch with Netball Waikato Bay of Plenty and Netball NZ.”