Ranging from a newcomer to two centurions, Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has named an exciting blend of talent in its 14-strong 2023 National Umpire Squad to officiate next year’s domestic leagues.
With one Synergy Hair Netball League match under his belt, Caleb Binns joins the squad for the first time while Kristie Simpson with 125 ANZ Premiership matches and Angela Armstrong-Lush, 108, to their credit, the duo adds plenty of frontline experience to the cream of New Zealand’s whistlers.
“We’re delighted with the make-up of our squad for next year,” NNZ National Technical Officials Manager Garratt Williamson said.
“We have focussed on building depth and experience in our team over the past few years and are really excited with our personnel heading into 2023”
GJ Gardner Homes has enthusiastically embraced its role as the official sponsor of umpires and is looking forward to another bumper year in 2023.
“We’re proud to support New Zealand’s top umpires as they prepare to embark on another season of ANZ Premiership and Synergy Hair Netball League Netball,” GJ Garner Homes Managing Director Ellie Porteous said.
2023 National Umpire Squad (games in brackets)
Angela Armstrong-Lush (ANZ 108, NNL 1)
Caleb Binns (NNL 1)
Myron Elkington (ANZP 28, NNL 25)
Gracey Farquharson (ANZP 3, NNL 32)
Tania Fink (ANZP 29, NNL 14)
Gareth Fowler (ANZP 79, NNL 6)
Marlissa Howard (NNL 12)
Sasha McLeod (ANZP 47, NNL 16)
Ken Metekingi (ANZP 56, NNL 12)
Zak Middleton (ANZP 6, NNL 39)
Cory Nicholls (ANZP 25, NNL 28)
Kristie Simpson (ANZP 125, NNL 1)
Michelle Stagg (ANZP 3, NNL 20)
Wids Wilson (NNL 6)
*Kiani Smith has not been selected for 2023 due to injury.