The Ōtorohanga Netball Centre has added its special touch to honouring 100 years of netball in New Zealand by hosting a gathering of past and present members for an occasion of celebration.
In true grassroots spirit, the celebration was hosted at the Ōtorohanga Netball Centre on October 18, beginning in the late afternoon and with it the opportunity for the local community to reminisce, reconnect and celebrate the lasting impact netball has had in their lives.
Nostalgia and reflection were front and centre as participants shared memories on the many changes and advancements the sport has seen over the decades. Among the attendees were three remarkable families, each with three generations present — a testament to the enduring passion for the sport passed down through the years.
A highlight of the afternoon was a special game of walking netball, which perfectly symbolised the inclusiveness and longevity of the game. On the court, players ranged in age from 13 to 85, creating a powerful image of how netball continues to unite and engage players of all ages.
Later in the evening, the celebrations moved to the Ōtorohanga Club, where four prestigious Service Awards were presented in recognition of significant contributions to the local netball community. As part of the event, the Honours Boards, dating back to 1959, were unveiled, serving as a visual reminder of the people who have shaped and supported Ōtorohanga netball over the years.
While the Ōtorohanga Netball Centre is still 10 years away from its own centenary celebrations, this event was a powerful reminder of the deep sense of camaraderie and connection netball fosters in the community. It highlighted the role the sport plays in creating lasting memories and bringing whānau together while building a bridge between the past and the future.
The timing of the celebration felt particularly poignant as just two days later, the Silver Ferns secured a thrilling victory over Australia in the opening Constellation Cup test, a fitting outcome to a weekend honouring netball’s proud legacy in New Zealand.