Netting Success: Taupo Netball Centre Scores Big with $20,000 NZCT Grant!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a $20,000 operational grant to Taupo Netball Centre, ensuring the continued development and growth of the Taupo region’s netball community.

Operations Manager Angela Montgomery says, "Without support like NZCT’s we would not be able to deliver the competitions and programmes we offer to our local community."

She adds, "While everyone thinks of netball as being about players and teams, we need to have a strong focus on developing coaches, managers, and umpires too. NZCT helps to ensure we have the resources to focus holistically on all these aspects that make the whole netball community stronger."

Taupo Netball Centre’s participant programmes reach students from Year 1 upwards, introducing them to the sport through school taster sessions. The centre also runs a Year 7 and 8 development programme, which leads to their representative programme. These initiatives have enabled Taupo Netball Centre to compete successfully against teams in the Netball Waikato and Bay of Plenty zone.

Netball player Nicole Woodcock says, “These courses are definitely worth doing - I learned so many new skills playing at CCA1 level last year.”

Coach Tarn Williams shares, “Competing is always an amazing experience for these young ladies, so now they’ve got a taste for it they’re hungry to go again. Ngā mihi NZCT for the opportunity you gave these girls. It's priceless!”

The centre, which serves the largest female team sport community in Taupo and surrounding areas, prides itself on offering opportunities for players of all levels. They have recently introduced pathways for male and non-binary players, allowing them to participate in teams and competitions of any age.

Angela Montgomery concludes, “In a world where volunteers are scarce, having experienced staff is vital. Thanks to NZCT’s generous support, we can continue offering high-quality services and experiences to all our members.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, “We love seeing the whole community enjoying the benefits of physical activity and the Taupo Netball Centre are doing a great job. Our grant wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with Pitch Sports Bar and the Lucky Lizard.”