Junior Manapori (full name *Teariki Junior Manapori*) is a respected and experienced figure in New Zealand netball, especially within the men’s game.
Born and raised in South Auckland, he’s deeply connected to his community and passionate about using sport to support young people. He’s represented the Stars Men as a player in invitational matches against the Mystics Men and transitioned into coaching, where he’s now the head coach of the Stars Men for their annual series, helping grow and showcase the men’s game at a high level. Before this, he served as assistant coach for the Stars’ National Netball League team, the Comets, contributing to their development and success.
Junior has over 20 years’ experience in sport as both player and coach, has been involved in representative netball including being part of the first New Zealand Men’s team to play the Silver Ferns, and brings strong leadership, care for his players, and community-minded values to every role he takes on. Beyond coaching, he has worked in sport leadership roles, supporting schools and young people to access quality sporting opportunities.
What first drew you into coaching?
At a young age, I saw coaching early in my life, with my mum and dad coaching teams in Netball, Basketball and Tennis. My first sport, Tennis I have received my first coaching from my mum as she played tennis. My older sister was also coaching primary team when she was playing too.
Who influenced or supported you in those early stages?
My family were my main influence and have always supported me from when I was a player and encouraged me to move into coaching. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when you started?
The biggest challenges for me were the fear of being a male in a female dominated sport. Fear, that I was not good enough to coach in any level and not being true to the way I wanted to coach.
Is there a moment in your journey that really shaped the coach you are today?
In my early years of coaching, one piece of advice I was given was Be what you want to be and not what other people want you to be!
What keeps you motivated year after year?
Having goals to improve in aspects of my coaching. You’re never too old to learn. Being open to learning and trying new things to make you better.
How has your coaching style or philosophy evolved?
From the early days, I didn’t have a coaching philosophy but as time has gone on my philosophy has continued to evolve year after year. This has continue to stretch me to know that netball is always evolving and for me as a coach, I have to evolve too which is the most rewarding part because I am part of the evolution of netball.
What impact do you hope to have on the players you work with?
I would hope that my impact on players, was that they had a great experience in learning and developing their game. To give players confidence and courage to be their best every time they train and play.
What’s been one of your proudest moments as a coach?
My proudest moments have been to see the development of the player to fulfil their goals and aspirations in netball. Their success, determination and resilience to put their best out there every single time and to see them achieve at the highest level.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?
Know your why and be yourself when you coach. Coaching is not linear, it takes you on different paths and that’s okay because it is your journey. Stay happy!
Where do you see your coaching journey heading next?
The goal is to complete my PCQ first and eventually to coach at the highest level potentially international level.
What was the first netball team you ever coached?
In 2007, I coached the Auckland Cook Islands Under 21s. At the time, the team simply needed a coach, and I was still playing myself. I decided to step up and give it a go — not knowing it would become such an important part of my journey in netball.
What made you put your hand up to coach it?
A big influence for me was my mum, who was also a coach. One of the first pieces of advice she gave me was to share the knowledge I’ve been blessed with and not keep it to myself.
That really stuck with me. Coaching, for me, is about giving back to the game that has given so much — creating opportunities for others to learn, grow, and experience netball in a positive way.
Would there be anything you’d do differently looking back?
Looking back, I wouldn’t change anything. Every experience — the challenges, the advice, and the people around me — helped shape who I am as a coach today. To be my authentic self and not change for anyone.
Those early moments taught me that coaching is a journey of continuous learning. It’s about growing not just the players, but yourself as a person.
What’s always stayed with me is this:
If I can help players grow in their skills, confidence, and love for the game — and create an environment where they enjoy netball — then I believe that I have helped the players to be their best.
