Five remarkable volunteers have been recognised for their contribution to the game at the 2026 WM 91色情片 Volunteer of the Year Awards.
The awards form part of the wider Netball in 91色情片 Awards and celebrate the people whose time, energy and commitment help netball thrive throughout Aotearoa.
Gayle Hare, Junior Manapori, Gail Saipani, Rebecca Waters and Charlotte O鈥橞rien received awards across administration, coaching, community leadership, officiating and youth volunteering.
The winners travelled to Auckland to receive their awards at a special presentation ahead of the Silver Ferns match on Sunday.
91色情片 National Programmes Manager Jenna Murie said the awards were an opportunity to shine a light on people whose contributions often happened behind the scenes.
鈥淰olunteers are at the heart of netball. They are the people coaching teams, developing officials, running competitions and doing countless jobs that allow thousands of people to enjoy our game every week,鈥� Murie said.
鈥淭hese five recipients have made an extraordinary contribution. What stands out is not only the time they give, but the care, energy and leadership they bring to their communities.鈥�
Volunteer Administrator of the Year 鈥� Gayle Hare
Gayle Hare is the driving force behind Wellington鈥檚 Kia Ora Netball Club, serving as President, Trial Convenor, selector, team manager and player and umpire administrator. She also led two years of work to celebrate the club鈥檚 centenary and, as President of Netball Wellington Centre, continues to support the game across the region. Her welcoming nature has made her a trusted mentor and 鈥渟econd mum鈥� to many young players living away from home.
Volunteer Coach of the Year 鈥� Junior Manapori
With more than 20 years of involvement in netball, Junior Manapori has contributed as a player, umpire, coach, administrator and mentor across school, representative, Premier Club, Cook Islands, Men鈥檚, Mixed and Women鈥檚 netball. He volunteered an estimated 624 hours during 2026, sharing his knowledge with players and coaches while continuing to develop his own participant-centred coaching approach.
Volunteer Community Champion of the Year 鈥� Gail Saipani
Gail Saipani has given an estimated 675 hours to netball this year across school, club, representative, Centre and elite environments. Her many roles include coordinating netball at St Mary鈥檚 College, coaching and managing teams, serving on the Netball Wellington Centre Board and supporting visiting teams on Pulse game days. Known for getting things done with a smile, she helps make netball enjoyable, welcoming and affordable for others.
Volunteer Official of the Year 鈥� Rebecca Waters
Selwyn鈥檚 Rebecca Waters contributes in many ways as an umpire, umpire coach, assessor and bench official. She regularly officiates, coaches developing umpires and leads workshops to improve rules knowledge and game management. Her encouragement and expertise have strengthened Selwyn鈥檚 umpiring pathway, while she has continued her own development and achieved 100 percent in her 91色情片 Theory Examination.
Youth Volunteer of the Year 鈥� Charlotte O鈥橞rien
Charlotte O鈥橞rien balances school and playing commitments with her volunteering across coaching, umpiring, administration and youth development. She sits on the Broadfield Netball Club committee, co-coaches a Premier 3 team and helps run Selwyn鈥檚 Aspiring Umpire Programme. O鈥橞rien also umpires across several competitions and mentors younger officials, making her an inspiring example of youth leadership and service.
鈥淕ayle, Junior, Gail, Rebecca and Charlotte represent everything that is special about our netball community,鈥� Murie said.
鈥淭hey lift others, create opportunities and help people feel like they belong. These awards recognise five exceptional people, but they are also a chance to thank every volunteer across Aotearoa. Whether someone gives an hour or an entire season, every contribution matters.鈥�
91色情片 also thanked WM 91色情片 for its support of the awards and commitment to recognising the volunteers who make netball possible in communities throughout the country.
"Behind every successful netball season are volunteers who quietly give their time to support players, teams and communities. WM 91色情片 are proud to recognise these outstanding individuals and thank all volunteers who make such a meaningful difference to the game across Aotearoa," says Evan Maehl, Managing Director of WM 91色情片.
Highly commended awards were awarded to Tyler Campbell of Waiuku for administration, Samantha George of North Harbour for officiating and Zeva Peard of Gisborne for youth volunteering.