Netball Manawatu Staff

Ashleigh Kate Araroa-Waerea
​​​​​​​General Manager

Ko wai au,

Ko Pūtauaki te Maunga

Ko Rangitaiki te Awa

Ko Ngāti Awa te Iwi

Ko Ngāti Hamua te Hapu

Ko Te Maapou te Marae

Ko Mataatua te Waka

Ko Ashleigh-Kate Araroa-Waerea ahau and I am proud to be the General Manager for Netball Manawatū.

I have been a part of the organisation now for 4 years, working alongside some amazing teammates in the office, a vast, diverse Board of Trustees, and an awesome open and approachable community. 

What I have enjoyed the most about working for Netball Manawatu is the people and the opportunities. The opportunities to meet new people just as passionate about the game as we all are, the connections and relationships you create and of course being a part of influence and changes that benefit and impact so many of our future generations.

I am looking forward to this new challenge in how we can best support the community to thrive in all areas of the game, on and off the court.

If you need me, I am contactable via phone or email. You can guarantee to catch me on Monday to Friday on the following times:

Monday – 10.00am – 7.00pm

Tuesday – 10.00am – 9.00pm

Wednesday – 8.30am – 5.00pm

Thursday – 8.30am – 5.00pm

Friday – 10.00am – 5.00pm


If you miss me, I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can!

I look forward to meeting, connecting or re-connecting with you soon.

Rebecca Boyd

Netball Development Officer

Hello the amazing Netball Manawatu Community,

I have had the privilage in being apart of the organisation for 2 years now officially as an employee after a very fun and enjoyable practicum with Massey University. When the opportunity became available to join the team, I was excited to learn, grow and continue on with some of the work I have been doing as part of my practicum. My sport of choice in High School was Hockey, so learning about a different sport has definitely been such an awesome journey to be apart of.

Previously the Community Engagement Officer for Netball Manawatu, I have now moved across to the Development Officer and learning as I go!

I have enjoyed connecting with the community, meeting new faces, and being recognised as the "Netball lady" to the little ones out in the community. I have now stepped into the Representative Space, Coach Development and Umpire Development with my new role.

I am really exited about the opportunities to learn and grow with you all in this new role of mine.

As you know, our team work tiresly (sometimes endlessly) to provide top notch support to our community. While I am out in the community delivering programmes, you will guarantee to hear from me between these times via email or phone:

Monday: 10:30am – 6:30pm

Tuesday 10:30am – 7:30pm

Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Thursday 8:30am – 5:30pm

Friday 10:30am – 4:30pm

If you miss me, I will get back to you as soon as I possibly can!

Looking forward to continue you with you in this new role!

Donna Simpson
Competitions Officer

Kia Ora te hāpori netipōro

I am so excited to join the Netball Manawatu team and share my netball passion with you all. I absolutely love netball (I mean come on who doesn’t eat, sleep, dream & talk netball?). I have two daughters-1 who is a bit netball crazy like me, and the other is into all things cars.

If you're a local at Vautier Park I’m sure you will have seen (or heard) me on the sideline of many courts encouraging and supporting whanau and friends for the past 10+ years.

My experience within the netball community ranges from a player (many MANY moons ago), and coaching for the past 15yrs at local Feilding primary schools, intermediate, high school & club. For the past 4 years, I have had the pleasure of getting the Feilding Year 1&2 FutureFernz programme up & running, and sharing my love with the tamariki of Feilding & surrounding country schools.

Now in my new role, I am learning and growing each week. You can guarantee to hear from me between these times via email or phone call:

Mon 10am-8pm

Tues 10am-9pm

Wed 9am-5pm

Thurs 10am-5pm

Fri 10am-5pm

If you see me around the courts don’t be shy to come and say Kia Ora!

Michaela Darmody

Community Engagement Officer

Megan Wilton 

Finance Officer

Netball Manawatu Board

Mark Piper

Chairman 

Bevan Catley

Vice Chairman 

Bevan is a Professor of Work and Organisation at the Massey Business School. He has extensive governance experience with regional sporting organisations including Eventfinda Stadium, Harbour Sport, and Northern Football. Bevan has a strong interest in netball having previously served on the boards of Netball Otago and the Netball Northern Zone. He has two daughters who play netball and love the game.

Chelsea Millar

Board Member

Margaret Kaihe-Woolston

Board Member

Barry Clough 

Board Member

Lisa Aull

Board Member

Chelsie Hopkins

Youth Board Member

Netball Manawatu Patron

Betty Steffensen
Netball Manawatu Patron

After over 60 years of involvement in Netball Manawatu as a player, coach, umpire, administrator, I was privileged to be invited to become Patron of Netball Manawatu in 2016.

In that capacity, I endeavour to add support and awareness of Netball Manawatu within the wider community and share my knowledge as requested with those in the Leadership positions.

Betty Steffensen.        
QSM 1990
Recipient Women’s Suffrage Medal 1993
Legend of Sport Manawatu 2007
Life Member Netball Manawatu
Life Member Netball New Zealand


Netball Manawatu Operations Team

Linda Liggins
​​​​​​​Umpire Advisor 

 My role within Netball Manawatu is to coordinate and assist with the development of umpiring and umpire coaching.


I enjoy being able to help others and to foster the love of our sport.
Building strong, productive, and positive relationships is something that I am very passionate about and I look forward to offering my continued support in any way that is helpful.
 

Lisa Aull
Bench Official Coordinator

Jan Clough​​​​​​​

Edna Hansen

Beryl O'sullivan