Vicky Taggart was just 12 when she first picked up a whistle as an umpire. By 15, she was coaching and beginning a volunteer journey that has now spanned 14 years.
While her roles have changed over time, the reason she keeps returning has not.
鈥淥ne hundred percent, the people,鈥� Vicky says.
鈥淭here is a whakatauk墨, 鈥楬e aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata,鈥� which translates to 鈥榃hat is the most important thing in the world? It is people, it is people, it is people.鈥� I feel this sums it all up beautifully.鈥�
Having managed a Christchurch Under 18 representative team for six seasons, Vicky also took on the Open representative team in 2026. She continues to contribute through Lincoln University Netball, the Netball Pathways Advisory Group and as a Zone Bench Official.
While the roles are varied, the purpose behind them is the same: supporting people to enjoy sport and reach their potential.
Vicky says that her passion came from the coaches who supported her through every high and low while she was growing up.
鈥淭hey made me fall in love with netball and rowing. I felt so grateful for those experiences that I wanted to give back and ensure the next generation of netballers had the same positive environment.鈥�
Along the way, she has built lasting relationships and watched many young athletes grow both on and off the court.
鈥淰olunteering adds so much to my life: joy, laughter, life skills and memories that will last a lifetime. My favourite thing is watching what each of these young athletes goes on to achieve.鈥�
For Vicky, one of the most rewarding moments comes at the end of a representative campaign or netball season, when she can look back on how far a team has come and everything that happened behind the scenes to get them there.
鈥淪aying goodbye at the end of a season is always tough after spending so much time bonding with a team. But being surrounded by good people in the right environment makes the journey such a joy, and it constantly reminds me why I love giving back.鈥�
Vicky鈥檚 contribution was recently recognised when she was named Christchurch Netball Centre鈥檚 WM Volunteer of the Month. Supported by WM 91色情片, the award celebrates the volunteers whose time and energy help make netball possible in communities across Aotearoa.
She is quick to acknowledge the people who have encouraged and supported her to grow in her roles over the years. For anyone considering volunteering themselves, her advice is simple.
鈥淛ust start. It鈥檚 an opportunity to make a real difference and help make it possible for your community to play the game we all love.鈥�
If this story has you thinking about volunteering, get in touch with your local netball club. There are roles to suit all kinds of strengths and interests, and clubs are always glad to hear from people keen to get involved. Find out more