Palmerston North In door Netball Stars Gear Up for World Tri Nations
- Phoenix Manley-Green
- Jul 30
- 2 min read
Athletes from Palmerston North are currently in intense preparation to represent their community and families at the upcoming World Indoor Netball Tri Nations in South Africa.
Training at the Palmerston North Indoor Sports Arena, the team is eagerly seeking sponsorship to help them proudly wear the Silver Fern on the world stage.
For many, this journey is about more than just the game.
Marise Cudby, a Māori indoor netball umpire, speaks passionately about the holistic value of the sport. "Indoor netball is heaps actually, it's wellness, it’s fitness, it’s fun, it’s freedom, it's passion, all of those sorts of things," she explains.
For Cudby, the opportunity is deeply personal: "I feel very proud to represent them, my son’s down here today, my granddaughter will be here soon, I’m just feeling well blessed, honoured to serve these people playing the game but yeah like you say to represent whānau there."
Player Maddie Pita, who has been part of the indoor netball community her entire life, is excited about the opportunity to compete internationally.
"I grew up around this sport, I grew up watching my mum and dad play indoor netball, sleeping under the tables and then it got to the point where I could jump on the court," she recalls.
Looking ahead to the tournament, Pita adds, "I’m so excited to wear the Silver Fern and go to South Africa alongside my friends from PISA and also play in a n open ladies' tournament."
Sonny Ohlson, the owner of the Palmerston North Indoor Sports Arena, emphasizes the inclusive culture that has nurtured these athletes. "If you’re a good person, if you have good intentions, everyone’s welcome here, whether you play, whether you’ve never played before, whether you’re more towards the social side of the sport, we cater to everyone you know," he says.
His vision for the arena is rooted in family connection: "We wanted something for our community, not just an indoor sports community but also just a lot of whānau, like a lot of my whānau have come through these doors and played a long time."
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