Netball New Zealand’s National Development Camp (NDC) returned to Auckland in mid January, the first weekend of a three-weekend regionalised development camp. The weekend saw our Zone’s top emerging secondary school athletes, coaches, umpires, and umpire coaches invited into an environment designed to challenge them, grow their skills, and build a shared understanding of the performance environment. 26 of Northern Zone athletes, 12 coaches, 12 umpires/umpire coaches and Netball Northern staff were involved across the camp.
For the athletes, the camp offered a rare opportunity to experience the intensity and clarity of a true performance environment. Led by NZSS Head Coach Jo Morrison, the programme focused not only on skill development but also on the mindset, behaviours, and standards expected of those progressing through the national pathway. The design was deliberately holistic, drawing on experts across multiple disciplines to support athletes to grow, perform, and thrive. For many, it was their first genuine insight into what it means to prepare, train, and think like a performance netballer.
For coaches, the camp offered a rare opportunity to observe high‑performance coaching in action. Alongside the athlete programme, Netball Northern facilitated a parallel learning experience for the cohort of community coaches, designed to encourage critical thinking, challenge assumptions, and broaden perspectives. Later in the camp, the cohort of umpires and umpire coaches joined the group, creating a valuable cross‑disciplinary environment. The collaboration between coaches and officials quickly became a highlight, with participants exploring how their own mental models shape behaviour, and how greater empathy and shared understanding across roles can contribute to a more unified game experience.
Guest speakers added further depth to the programme. Serena Daunakamakama shared her journey with honesty and clarity, reinforcing that genuine progress comes from commitment and consistency, rather than school profile or the number of teams an athlete plays for. She also highlighted the importance of building strength and conditioning foundations early, so that athletes are physically prepared for the demands of higher level netball.
NetballSmart’s contribution was equally impactful. Silver Ferns Lead Physiotherapist Sharon (Shaz) Kearney delivered compelling insights into injury prevention and physical preparation, most notably that 95 percent of elite netball movements involve deceleration or stopping, placing substantial load through the knees. The session was a strong reminder of the value of good technique, structured testing, and well-planned strength and conditioning programmes. Former Silver Fern Sam Winders also brought warmth and energy to the camp, speaking candidly about family support, her playing journey, and her passion for NetballSmart, delivered with her characteristic humour and honesty.
Coaches and umpires also valued time with NNZ age group selectors and coaches, including meaningful conversations with NZSS Head Coach Jo Morrison and her assistant about their coaching philosophies and expectations for the camp. The standout moment for many, however, was a surprise visit from Dame Noeline Taurua, whose presence left a lasting impression across the entire group.
Across the three days, the camp provided more than performance learnings. It created a sense of belonging and collective direction. Coaches, umpires, athletes, and support staff found opportunities to connect, challenge each other’s thinking, and build shared understanding around what it means to support rangatahi to thrive in netball. For Netball Northern, it served as a reminder of the strength of the region and the commitment of the people who contribute to the game every day.
As the 2026 season begins, the Zone will carry forward the insights and relationships formed at the camp. The experience offered not only a snapshot of where future talent is headed but also a reaffirmation of the value of collaboration, alignment, and keeping the athlete at the centre of every decision.
