Ōtorohanga netball was celebrating the century of netball in New Zealand on Friday, but unlike the parent body’s date 1924 beginning, Ōtorohanga netball’s origins are unknown.
“We lost our minutes in the ’58 flood,” Otorohanga netball president Dorothy Carr said.
Marjorie Carr (85 years old) – current Patron, Life Member of Netball New Zealand with the GS bib on. Robin Henry – GD, ex local, whānau connections, both played netball for Satellites in the 60s, 70s and 80s. Pink Hair (14 year old) Kanohi-Marama Phillips and her mum Adelle Martin (Hardley) GK embrace in fun defense Kylie Lupton WA watches on
They’ve since obtained some records from 1954, which may give the club a better look at its history, Dorothy said.
As its part in honouring 100 years of netball in New Zealand, the Ōtorohanga Netball Centre hosted a heartwarming celebration last Friday.
The event brought together past and present members of the Ōtorohanga netball community, giving everyone the opportunity to reminisce, reconnect, and celebrate the legacy of netball in their lives, Dorothy said.
Among the attendees were three families, each with three generations present — a testament to the enduring passion for the sport passed down through the years, she said.
A highlight of the afternoon was a game of walking netball, which symbolised the inclusiveness and longevity of the game. Players ranged in age from 13 to 85, creating a powerful image of how netball continued to unite and engage players of all ages.
Celebrations moved to the Ōtorohanga Club in the evening, where four Service Awards were presented in recognition of significant contributions to the netball community. As part of the event, the Honours Boards, dating back to 1959, were unveiled, serving as a visual reminder of the people who have shaped and supported Ōtorohanga netball over the years.
“We have now got the honours boards up to date going back to 1958 – of all our patrons presidents, treasurers, umpires co-ordinators. So we have done a bit of mahe on that,” Dorothy said.
Some service awards were presented and next year they will start doing life memberships.
“You know how you have some of those things that you need to do every year and you kind of push that out because you are busy running competitions… this has just given us an opportunity to tidy those things up.”
She said event was a powerful reminder of the deep sense of camaraderie and connection netball fosters in the community. It highlighted the role the sport plays in creating lasting memories, bringing whānau together, and building a bridge between the past and the future.
The timing of the celebration felt particularly poignant, as just two days later, the Silver Ferns secured a thrilling victory over Australia, a fitting capstone to a weekend of honouring netball’s proud legacy in New Zealand.
Netball was introduced to New Zealand as ‘women’s basketball’ in 1906 – a nine-a-side game played on grass, with baskets tied to posts at either end of the court.
It was introduced by Rev J C Jamieson who started up basketball teams from his bible classes. The first games were played on a paddock and the teams were nine-a-side. The rules allowed three bounces, and throws from one end of the field to the other. Baskets were used for goals and after each goal, the ball had to be tipped out to restart play.
Service Award Recipients
From left: Karen Flay, Dorothy Carr, Sally Van der Heyden, Joanne Butcher
