In her final column, Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic star and Australian netball international Caitlin Bassett reveals her favourite things about Aotearoa, joining 'the enemy' and having her driving ability questioned by teammates.
The most common question I have had since being back home in Australia (aside from, 'howtall are you?') has been, 'what was it like playing netball in New Zealand?'.
Since finishing the ANZ Premiership season, I have been back in Perth, spending time with my family and reflecting on the last seven months.
While the results with the Magic were disappointing, off the court my experiences were anything but - from meeting amazing people, learning more about Māori culture, and exploring the North Island.
I won't lie - I was slightly nervous that when I signed with a Kiwi team that the locals wouldn't be too impressed. As a Diamond, I am proud to have played a small part in some of the wins Australia has had over the Ferns across the last decade.
Thankfully, though, my fears were put to rest on my first weekend with the team.
We hit the road for a pre-season game against the Pulse, driving to Gisborne and then down to Hawke's Bay. Along the way, we stopped to visit schools and netball associations to do some coaching and I was blown away with how friendly and welcoming everyone was.
Caitlin Bassett admits the Magic's on-court performances were disappointing. Photo / Getty Images
From kids to adults, I was greeted with hugs and high fives. Hands down what I loved the most was the pōwhiri when we were welcomed into a school. Hearing the beautiful singing and seeing the fierce haka still gives me goosebumps.
If you told me this time last year I would sing to an opposition team after we played them I would have laughed. In Australia, we don't sit down and have a post-match dinner with the 'enemy' and we certainly don't sing to them.
However, it quickly became one of my favourite things about playing each week. After fighting for every ball during the game it was nice to sit down and get to know girls from other teams away from the court.
Our Magic team had a waiata, complete with actions, and I was surprised that no one ever laughed at my attempts if we sang it. The encouragement that everyone showed when teaching me Māori was awesome and I loved learning and trying to include new words into conversations.
With our team representing such a large zone, I was lucky to do a fair bit of exploring from my home base of Mount Maunganui. I covered a fair few kilometres driving to Waihau Bay, across to Raglan, and down to Otaki for appearances, coaching and games.
I loved exploring new coffee places and getting to know my teammates better on the road. Although they made fun of my driving skills, the adventures we had and places I got to see were amazing.
Caitlin Bassett and the Pulse's Kelera Nawai compete for possession in an ANZ Premiership match in April. Photo / Photosport
The visits to small netball associations in remote areas showed me the pure love that Kiwis have for all levels of the game.
Playing elite netball for the last 17 years has given me some incredible opportunities and experiences. To play in New Zealand and to become part of the Magic whanau is something which I will always be grateful for.
