For the first time, Sport NZ delivered its Sport Development Leader programme with a dedicated focus on netball, bringing together leaders from 16 netball Centres and three zones for three days of learning, reflection, and collaboration.
The workshop was designed to strengthen leadership capability within the netball system, with sessions grounded in change management, Balance is Better, influence, evidence-based decision-making, and improving participant experiences.
The programme was led by a skilled trainer team: Irene van Dyk (Netball NZ), Andrew Hewetson and Andy Rogers (Sport NZ), and Leigh Ashton (Netball WBOP Zone). Across three days, they guided participants through frameworks, practical tools, and honest conversations about the realities of leading community sport.
Irene Van Dyk said the programme created a rare opportunity for Centre leaders to step back from day-to-day pressures and invest in themselves.
鈥淏eing able to connect, listen, and learn from one another was powerful. The work our Centres do is huge, and taking time to strengthen leadership and wellbeing isn鈥檛 just good for the leaders 鈥� it flows directly into the experiences of players, coaches, wh膩nau, and volunteers.鈥�
Sport NZ鈥檚 Andrew Hewetson said the tailored approach ensured the content hit the mark for the netball community.
鈥淲e designed this programme so leaders could explore insight-driven thinking, understand change more deeply, and build confidence in influencing others. What stood out was their willingness to share challenges openly and work together on solutions that will genuinely strengthen their centres.鈥�
Despite a full schedule, the energy stayed high. The value of connecting kanohi ki te kanohi was a recurring theme, with participants appreciating the chance to share experiences with others navigating similar pressures.
This programme marks a significant step in strengthening leadership across the community netball system. Netball NZ will continue working with Centres and Sport NZ to build on the momentum created and support the implementation of the ideas shaped over the three days.