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For half a century the Hauraki Plains Netball Centre has been more than just a place to gather for sport.
It’s been a cornerstone of the community that’s shaped players, friendships and memories for generations.
Current life member Jane Robinson, who was one of three current living life members, said before the centre was formed, teams from Hauraki Plains College travelled on buses to play Saturday morning netball in Paeroa for many years.
Women from the Plains also joined teams in the Paeroa competition.
In late 1975, the then principal of Hauraki Plains College Bert O’Brien touted the idea of starting up a netball centre in Ngatea to service the Hauraki Plains area, she said.
Plans began to take shape and in 1976, after an inaugural meeting in the college library, the Hauraki Plains Netball centre was formed.
All games were played on the front courts at the college, where each round was announced by a megaphone borrowed from the rowing club.
Things were different back then.
The “office” for Saturday mornings was a shelf in the caretaker’s room and each player had to pay court fees of 10 cents to cover the day’s games.
It was 1977 when the Netball Centre had its first representatives at Thames Valley level. Jane said a glance back at the team registrations from the early days seemed as though every local woman at the time was part of a netball team.
In 1976, netball was played and administered only by women.
Now men were involved in every aspect of the game, she said.
Some clubs at the centre remained strong over the years, she said, but one in particular stood out.
“[A] special mention must be made of North Golden Oldies, who regularly attended Golden Oldie events all over the world.
“They fundraised, played and socialized ferociously, always keeping their eyes on the next tournament,” she said.
It was 2010 when the Centre relocated to the new courts at Hugh Hayward Domain, where many players, families, supporters and community members showed out to support the milestone.
While the game of netball is now much faster, more physical and a lot of rule changes have taken place – the dedication and commitment to the centre, and love for the sport remains strong in the Hauraki community.
Friendships were forged through netball and even after 50 years, they remained strong, Jane said.
Now, with a goal to honour the past, celebrate the present and inspire the future, the Centre is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary on May 8 at the Ngatea Rugby clubrooms. “The centre is celebrating its achievements and honouring those who have made it all happen over the years.”
The event will gather former and present players, coaches, volunteers, administrators, supporters and friends of the Centre to reminisce on the early days, reflect on the achievements along the way and look toward the future of netball in the Hauraki community.
“They plan to rekindle old friendships, acknowledge achievements and look forward to the growing future of the centre.”
