A new era for Netball Samoa was celebrated earlier this week.

This follows the launching of their four-year partnership deal with Netball New Zealand by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Samoa, David Nicholson, on Thursday at the National University of Samoa’s gymnasium. 

The partnership provides a $4 million grant to Samoa, Tonga, Fiji and Cook Islands for a span of five years.  “The partnership focuses on supporting sustainability between Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Netball Samoa and Netball New Zealand, including Nobesity Samoa and the Ministry of Education Sports and Culture.

“The objective is to reduce non-communicable diseases through the active lifestyles and increase awareness of activity and nutrition.”

The ceremony was made extra special with the presence of Pacific Sporting Partnership Programme Manager, Ivan Harre of Netball New Zealand, and former New Zealand Silver Ferns coach and captain, Waimarama Taumaunu.

Harre said their aim is to develop the capability of Netball Samoa in both primary and secondary schools.

He added they also have a strong coaching programme so they can work with teachers, parents and anyone who wants to be a netball coach.

“We have a good coaching programme and we’ll be training people in Netball Samoa to deliver it and we’ll have experts from New Zealand coming over in the next four years.”

Taumaunu said she is delighted to be back in Samoa for the fourth time now this year.

“I am delighted to be back in Samoa and being part of a programme to help Samoa Netball and young Samoan netballers to learn how to play netball better, improve the coaching they receive and to get all those young women who I coached so many years ago, to get those numbers in the court again, and get those competitions going again.

“So while the programme in line helps to improve international team outcomes, it also improves health outcomes for all Samoans.” 

Gaualofa Matalavea Sa’aga acknowledged Netball New Zealand and New Zealand Pacific Sports in their efforts to help Netball Samoa.