Do you want to play in a mixed netball competition? was the question posed via an online Facebook poll in Kaitaia.  The answer was an overwhelming YES and the Kaitaia Mixed Outdoor Netball (KMON) competition was born.   

The KMON committee is made up of netball players in their 20’s, who originally wanted to support their male friends into experiencing netball, and now find themselves running a fully-fledged mixed competition.

The group used the online feedback, their own netball experiences as well as the advice and direction from members of the Mangonui Netball Association to arrange a social competition played indoors at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Rangi Aniwaniwa (they originally wanted to play the competition under the covered outdoor courts at Kaitaia College however couldn’t due to a clash in the hire).  They secured a sponsor, Donna MacMillan from Ray White Kaitaia, sourced a pool of umpires and purchased the equipment required.  

After the first round of competition (which was held over term two), participants were surveyed as part of their strategy to ensure the competition was meeting the expectations of the players.  Some of the feedback was that the participants loved the indoor venue as they could still bring their tamariki along knowing they were in a safe, warm, dry and contained area while watching Mum and Dad play, other participants commented on how well run the event was and the professionalism of the organisers.  KMON is now into its second round with 11 teams entered in the Monday night competition.

KMON’s co-organiser Creole Wallace says “they were very pleased with the progress so far and especially happy to provide the opportunity for more men to play netball”.

This initiative is a great example of community led development in action, where the community needs and wants are what drove the project. 

If you would like to enter a team into next terms competition please contact KMON via their email address: kaitaiamixedoutdoornetball@gmail.com