Youth Board Purpose

Ko Ciccone Hakaraia-Turner tōku ingoa. He uri au nō Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Maniapoto me Ngāti Whakaue. I was born and live in West Auckland and I’m currently a Business student at AUT. I play, coach, manage and have coordinated netball tournaments and programs.

Fun fact: Te Reo Māori was my first language from birth

Hi! I'm Gabby and I grew up in East Auckland. I’m currently an AUT student, studying for a Bachelor of Architecture, as one of my goals is to make our community more accessible for those with disabilities. I grew up playing netball throughout primary and intermediate but after ending up in a wheelchair, I took on umpiring which I absolutely love.

Kia Ora e te whanau poitarawhiti ko Hannah Bisset tōku ingoa. I was born and raised in Central Otago but am studying Sport Development and Management in Dunedin. I’m a keen player and NETFITNZ Coach.

Fun fact: I have been a massive netball geek since I was 6
(I cried when Irene retired from International Netball when I was 10)

Kia Ora, my name is Briana Valgre and I was born and raised in East Auckland, but currently live in One Tree Hill. I have just completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in History and Education, and work for Netball Northern Zone as the Umpire Development Officer for Auckland Regional Centres. I have a passion for umpiring, while being an active umpire coach and umpire coach developer.

Fun fact: I learnt to play 3 brass instruments while in high school.

Kia Ora! My name is Hannah Soper and I was born and raised in the small town of Waimate in South Canterbury. I have recently moved to the South region, studying sport development and management in Otago University in Dunedin. I have previously played netball, but currently coach and help coordinate netball programs and tournaments.

Fun fact: My biggest fear is birds and I would probably have a heart attack if a chicken was to run at me.

Hi I am Anika Barham and I have grown up in Hawkes Bay.  I am currently a year 13 and sports prefect at Napier Girls High School.  I have a big passion for netball and have been playing since I was 5.  I love to play and coach.  I am currently playing or Hawkes Bay u18 and my school senior A team.

Kia Ora! My name is Sophie Macintyre and I was born and raised in the beautiful Kirikiriroa. I recently graduated Waikato University with a Bachelor of Teaching, and have a busy class of 30 year 4’s. I have dabbled in all areas of netball, including; playing, coaching and umpiring - however umpiring is my biggest passion. I currently sit on the Umpire Leadership Team at Hamilton City Netball Centre and I am loving both the challenges and opportunities this is giving me.

Fun Fact: I have combined my (slight) tiktok addiction and passion for mental health to create an online community of support for those who need it.

Hi! My name is Sophie Matthews, I grew up in the small town of Waimate. I'm currently in my second year at Lincoln University, where I'm studying for a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management. I am a passionate player and coach.

Hi! My name is Al Fox and I’ve recently moved to Auckland from the Hutt Valley! I’m currently studying a Bachelor of Sport, Health and Physical Education at the University of Auckland. Outside of uni and work, it seems I spend every other moment at the courts where I’m a keen player and umpire - unless I’m enjoying a cheeky wine with my flatmates!

Hi I’m Lily Shortus and I grew up in Waimate! Currently I am in my second year studying a Bachelor of Agriculture at Lincoln University. I have been involved in netball since I was 5 and I am really looking forward to being on the NNZYB to give back to the sport I love and that has helped me grow into the person I am today!!

Fun Fact: I love to bake at any chance I get!

Kia ora koutou, my name is Nate and I was born in mighty Australia (I’ve lived in NZ most of my life though so Silver Ferns > Australian Diamonds) . I’m currently a year 12 student at Glenfield College in Auckland. I have played Netball my whole school life until recently, when I started coaching and joined my local centre youth board, and now the NNZYB.

Fun Fact: I’ve dedicated 65% of my life to drums. This has seen me perform on T.V., meet the prime minister and be awarded a NZQA music scholarship.

Kia Ora! My name is Amber Wellington and I am from the Wairarapa. I am a year 13 at QMC (Queen Margaret College) in Wellington. I am a passionate netball player and have previously umpired and coached. I am currently playing for U18 Wellington reps gold and Snr A for QMC.

Fun Fact: I love songwriting so look me up on spotify!

Kia Ora! My name is Georgia Soper and I am from a small South Island town called Waimate. I am currently Head Prefect and a Year 13 student at Waimate High School. I absolutely love netball. I have been involved in all areas, coaching, umpiring and playing. Currently I am playing in the Snr A team at my school as well as South Canterbury U18s.

Kia Ora, my name is Tylah McNeil and I am from a small town in Auckland called Pukekohe. I am a year 11 at Mount Albert Grammar School where I play and coach. Netball is a huge passion of mine and I hope to pursue it as far as I can. I currently play for the Premier 1 Netball team at my school and u16 reps for Auckland Netball Centre.

Hey ya! I’m Chirlene and I’m originally from South Africa, now living in beautiful Cromwell in the South Island. I go to Cromwell College as a year 13 student and arts prefect. Netball is one of my biggest passions and I’ve been playing since I was 6 years old. I play for Cromwell College senior A and Central Otago u/18 reps as well as coaching an intermediate B team and doing some umpiring here and there.

Fun Fact: I share the same birthday as Karen Burger from Tactix