The Netball Northern Zone AGM was held on Sunday 26 March and three (3) of the Zone’s most dedicated contributors to our game have been honoured, receiving a Netball Northern Zone Service Award.
This award recognises an individual who has made a significant contribution to the game of Netball that has enhanced the game at local and Zone level.
Congratulations to the following recipients:
Rachael Smith:
Rachael has been an important part of bench official development in the Northern Zone for a number of years. She has been a Nationally qualified bench official since around 2010 officiating for National League games, ANZ games in Northern Zone and at National and Regional tournaments for many years. She is now also a statistician on the bench for the ANZ / NNL games.
Rachael joined the Northern Zone Bench Official Committee in 2020 to support the organisation, development and allocation of bench officials in the zone. This has also involved connecting with coordinators from the other zones in reviewing the national qualifications and development of bench officials in NZ.
Tracey Parsons:
Tracey has volunteered for our Netball Northern Zone/Mystics since 2012 and is one of our longest standing and most loyal volunteers – an absolute key member of our workforce!
During her time volunteering for the Mystics, she has had multiple roles including ticketing, usher, foyer support etc. but her key role has now become Team Liaison as she is so reliable, organised and competent and the teams LOVE her!
Along with volunteering for Mystics home games, Tracey has represented our Zone by volunteering as a driver for the Malawi team in 2014 Fast5 Netball World Series, at the 2015 Constellation Cup, the 2018 Netball Quad Series, and many Trans-Tasman Silver Ferns matches over the years.
Tracey always puts her had up to help whenever we request our workforce to volunteer on behalf of our Zone for Netball New Zealand events.
Jane Bendall:
Jane is a highly valued member of the West Auckland netball scene in particular, but has also been involved in many national and international events as a volunteer. Having been involved in all aspects of netball since 1980, it is truly a life time of commitment to the sport.
Jane started volunteering back in the old Auckland Diamonds days and continues to volunteer at Mystics and Silver Fern games – yes she is here volunteering today!
Jane is also a Life Member of Netball Waitakere.
