When PIC Insurance Brokers recommitted to Netball Northern for another season, they wanted to do something with it: shine a light on the volunteers who keep community netball running. Centres across the zone answered the call, and three volunteers took out a PIC prize pack of Mystics tickets, match day vouchers and a walk through with the players.
- May - Katrina Alkema
- June – Tyler Campbell
- July - Atawahi Heta
But the nominations that came in were too good to stop at three. Across the season, PIC also sent cooler bags packed with goodies to five volunteers whose contributions stood out – an honourable nomination, and a thank you from the game they've given so much to.
Peter Hillgrove – Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre
Peter is at the courts most Saturdays of the season, and at the meetings and events in between. As a Life Member he carries the Centre's history, but the job he's quietly taken on is the one nobody thinks about until it matters: making sure the AED unit is checked and ready. That's a contribution you only appreciate on the day you need it.
Zora Vitasovich – Netball Waitākere
Her Centre Manager wouldn't put a number on Zora's hours, saying the count wouldn't do justice to the mana she brings. Decades on, she's still in the control room on game days, and she's been central to growing Walking Netball for players in their 50s to 70s – a programme she describes simply as "laughter, participation, friendship."
Lyn Pellow – Auckland Netball Centre
Sixteen years on staff, then two decades of volunteering after she retired in 2005. Lyn chairs the Games, Judicial and Awards Committees, manages rep uniforms, and gives up to 10 hours a week in season. Her service was recognised with a Queen's Service Medal in 2019, and she's still turning up for grading days and control room shifts.
Jill Collins – Papakura Netball Centre
Nine years on the Papakura Netball Centre Board, including a stint as Chair, and Jill's still in the control room on competition days. She's President of Conifer Grove Netball Club, leading 20 teams from Year 1 to Seniors, and coaches umpires on top of that. Her Centre Manager rates her willingness to have the hard conversations as highly as the hours.
Jan Skilton – Netball North Harbour
Jan has been coaching and mentoring umpires at Hibiscus Coast and North Harbour for more than 35 years. She's recently stepped down as Centre President, but she hasn't stepped away from the youth umpires she's helping work towards their badges. Without people like Jan bringing new umpires through, the game doesn't get played.
Ngā mihi nui to all five – and to the Centre Managers and volunteers who took the time to write the nominations.
About PIC Insurance Brokers
PIC Insurance Brokers is the largest 100% NZ owned and independent insurance broker in New Zealand. We take a consultative approach, finding out what's important to you, your family, your business and how it works. Visit www.pic.co.nz to find out more.
