In the Far North, volunteer Atawhai Heta is helping reshape junior netball, not just by teaching the game, but by building a strong sense of community and shared purpose.
Each week, Atawhai coordinates and delivers training sessions, coaches tamariki, communicates with whānau, serves as junior control steward, and supports junior umpire development. Like many volunteers, she also takes care of the little things – whether that’s restocking toilet paper or stepping in with first aid.
The Far North Phoenix Junior Development program in the Mangonui district started with a shared desire to give local tamariki more opportunities to be active and learn in a fun, inclusive environment. A free six-week pre-season development programme was launched to help young players build confidence, friendships, and foundational skills ahead of the season.
“We wanted to remove barriers and help kids fall in love with being active,” says Atawhai. “And the programme also gave parents a chance to feel involved from the start.”
Working alongside Far North Phoenix and Sport Northland’s Lesley Wallace, Atawhai and her team integrated Balance is Better principles and the futureFERNS framework to ensure the programme was age-appropriate, inclusive, and fun.
“I’d love to emphasise that the Balance is Better kaupapa aligns deeply with my personal values as a mother, putting the wellbeing and long-term development of our tamariki first,” she says. “I’m passionate about total wellbeing, which drives me to want to help create safe environments for tamariki in all that I do. Netball has so many opportunities to help better educate whānau and our community on how we can do this together.”
Throughout the six-week programme, over 60 tamariki from Year 1 to 6 took part in skill-based sessions, grouped by age. Whānau were encouraged to get involved, and teenage leaders stepped up to help run drills using futureFERNS resources – building confidence in themselves and the younger players alike.
“Some of the most rewarding moments were seeing our teenagers step up to lead sessions, or watching younger siblings join in alongside the older kids. It really was a whānau effort.”
Positive feedback has flowed in from parents and players, who say the programme helped build confidence, enthusiasm, and friendships.
As part of the kaupapa, Atawhai also helped deliver a Good Sports workshop for whānau.
“Through our programme, it was a chance to role model what it means to be a Good Sport – through encouragement, fairness, and positive behaviour for the whole whānau.”
That early engagement has helped build strong sideline support across the Centre. Clear communication, inclusion, and shared responsibility are now at the heart of the junior space.
“Our aim this year at Mangōnui Netball Centre is to continue emphasising junior netball as a safe and supportive space where young players can grow, learn, and develop a lifelong love for the game,” says Atawhai.
What keeps her involved is seeing the impact on the young people she supports. “It’s the moments,” she says. “Like watching a quiet, unsure player grow into a confident leader on court. That’s the power of sport, it grows people.”
“For me, when I stop to think about it, the heart of volunteering is the power of teamwork,” she says. “The collaborative effort, shared goals, and support among volunteers is what makes a lasting impact within any community. I couldn’t do any of the mahi I aim to do alone, my efforts in volunteering are attributed to the wonderful support of others in my club and our Centre.”
Thanks to volunteers like Atawhai Heta, that growth continues – one training session, one connection, and one tamaiti at a time. If you’d like to volunteer and be connected to your local Centre, please email Jenna (