Netball: Netball Taranaki general manager calls it a day

Netball Taranaki

Netball Taranaki General Manager Jaqua Pori-Makea Simpson is set to depart the organisation at the end of the month after nearly seven years.

Jaqua joined Netball Taranaki in 2018 after moving back home from Australia. With a background in Sport and Venue Management, and a passion for netball coaching she was a perfect fit for the role.

Jaqua has been instrumental in the growth of netball in Taranaki over the last seven years. Her key achievements have included the removal of uniforms across all Satellites and FREE registration fees for all Tamariki up to year five, which saw a 50% increase in years one and two’s playing netball.

Before it became standard, she expanded opportunities for male players beyond the Netball NZ futureFERNS programme, including adding a mixed representative category to the North Island Junior Netball Championships held in New Plymouth.

Officials have been supported too, with the implementation of the ‘L’ plates programme for learning umpires which was hugely successful and the introduction of bilingual umpiring across Taranaki which later spread across New Zealand.

The introduction of a ‘Walking netball’ programme has also seen exponential growth, attracting all ages and abilities.

Managing a community and sport through COVID-19 is an achievement on its own, and Jaqua leaves Netball in Taranaki in a great place with over 6,000 players, 585 teams and 450 registered Bench Officials and Umpires.

Netball Taranaki’s assets have had a major overhaul in recent years, learning and development is accessible online and there is a strong netball community that are future ready.

Jaqua is also well known as Head Coach for Tonga Tala National Netball Team who have had phenomenal success in the last three years, achieving World Ranking of seventh, four consecutive Pacific Aus Series titles, a World Cup qualification, a Pacific Games Gold Medal and a potential 2026 Commonwealth Games appearance.

When reflecting on her decision Jaqua said “leading a community sports organisation and coaching at this level is very rewarding, but it’s also extremely demanding”.

Jaqua will continue to coach and lead Tonga through the next international cycle.

The Netball Taranaki Board expressed their deep gratitude for Jaqua's contributions, she will leave an indelible mark on the organisation.

"We are immensely thankful for Jaqua's leadership over the past seven years," said Brendon Wylde, Interim Chairperson of Netball Taranaki.

"She has been an outstanding advocate for the sport, and her vision has helped pave the way for continued growth and success. While we are sad to see her go, we wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavours."

Netball Taranaki Board would like to thank Jaqua for her dedication and commitment to the netball community and wish her all the best in the next chapter of her career.

The Netball Taranaki Board have commenced the recruitment process for a new General Manager