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Has netball's place in NZ's sporting landscape been damaged by Netball NZ's challenges?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 2:54pm
(Photo / Getty)
(Photo / Getty)

Has netball's place in NZ's sporting landscape been damaged by Netball NZ's challenges?

Author
Newstalk ZB,
Publish Date
Sat, 21 Feb 2026, 2:54pm

Netball NZ has had a turbulent time of late, with leadership failures resulting in CEO Jennie Wyllie and a number of board members leaving their roles. 

As the fallout settles, the question is now being asked what damage this has done to netball in the wider New Zealand sporting landscape – especially now that there’s other options for young girls looking to enter sport. 

Women in Sport Aotearoa CEO Susan Sawbridge told Piney that despite the turbulence, she doesn’t think netball’s importance, especially at a grassroots level, is diminishing to a point of concern.  

She says it continues to be one of the most accessible sports for girls and young women across the country, and there’s a huge strength in the sport. 

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