Those around her describe ‘Aunty Honey’ as having a special gift – of aroha, selflessness, and an ability to make every player feel like a million bucks.
Hawke’s Bay volunteer Honey Amner dedicates hours each week to the All-In Netball Club managing three teams and training and supporting other managers – teaching them how to make every player feel like a professional athlete.
“Volunteering makes me feel fulfilled and keeps me young at heart. I do it for the same reason I breathe - to stay alive! It’s the smile I see on the faces of so many in the netball community, you can never hear too many thank you’s,” said Amner, who also volunteers for Touch Rugby in her community.
Going above and beyond, a true perfectionist, Amner is always on time to trainings and games.
Little in stature, her infamous oversized trolley is packed with everything a player needs and more - labelled sweat towels, half time lollies, water bottles that she has sterilised and filled with purified water – she couldn’t be better prepared.
Her attention to detail ensures it’s all covered off – she organises named bags neatly under the players’ respective seats - everyone has a place, and everyone is included throughout the process.
“I started volunteering when my youngest daughter, Candis, played representative netball and touch. I saw a need for more support, so I volunteered as a manager and haven’t looked back.”
Off the court, Amner loves a bit of karaoke, often booking time at the historic Clive Hotel for the club to go and enjoy time together – rumoured as having the voice of an angel, the team always love it when she sings.
“I never regret a day in my life, good days give happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons, but the best days give memories!”
Aunty Honey, written by player Rhandell Sharrock
All-In Netball was established in 2014
On a cold winter Saturday you would always see
A lady on a mission, with her trolley in tow,
Packed to the brim all ready to go!
We know her as ‘Aunty Honey’, our club matriarch
The netball community deem her as the best manager by far!
Eight years and counting, she is truly our club backbone
Having managed various teams each year, she keeps us players ‘in the zone!’
A stalwart for our club committee, our busy ‘Honey-Bee’
Keeping her hive super organised is her top priority!
It’s the finer details we all notice that set her apart,
Our club colour ‘purple’ is now visible as art!
Purple rubbish bags, and hand towels smelling like lavender
Towels with our names embroidered, we can’t get enough of her!
Aunty Honey is never late, she always arrives on time
With the biggest smile that beams at you with ‘purple pride’
Our role model and example of our All-In club values
Who goes that extra mile and provides ‘after game snack packs’ win or lose!
If there’s one person who deserves this nomination
Hawkes Bay Netball would agree, even the nation!
Aunty Honey, our most committed club star!
Our reason for playing, our super manager!
If you are interested in volunteering, you can find out more and register your interest here