Waimarama Taumaunu is honoured for three decades of netball service. Photo / Greg Bowker
• Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to netball.
Waimarama Taumaunu resisted the urge to tell her family she is being recognised in the New Year Honours in advance of today's public release.
The former Silver Ferns coach preferred to keep it a surprise, but she is confident the news will go down well.
"I know my father [Hone] in particular is going to be enormously proud," she said.
"He doesn't know yet, he'll find out on New Year's [eve], so I know he'll be very happy."
Like his daughter, Hone is also regarded as an extraordinary New Zealander. He was made a companion of the Queen's Service Order in 2004 for services to conservation and Taumaunu said it was a big deal for her whanau.
"I know he and mum were enormously proud and I was lucky enough to go with him to his investiture," she said.
"I think one of the really lovely parts of the whole thing is the occasion at Government house and the opportunity to see the wonderful work that so many people do. Anyone that has had the chance to see and hear the citations recognises there are some outstanding New Zealanders out there."
Taumaunu, who stepped down as Silver Ferns coach in November, was recognised in today's honours for her contribution to netball after more than three decades involvement in the sport at top level.
But it is the impact she has made on individual lives that she takes most pride in.
"I'm really hopeful that as time goes on I'll be remembered by the young women who I coached as someone who was a positive influence in their lives.
"Whilst I recognise this is about services to netball, the greatest enjoyment I've always had is in helping young women to be better players and to learn life skills."
Taumaunu plans to continue with coaching at a lower level, including helping out with her daughter's high school team in Wellington.
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