Netball New Zealand has today announced Board Chair Matt Whineray and Board Members Pavan Vyas, Stephen Cottrell and Aliesha Staples have decided to step down from their roles.

Following what has been a challenging period for the sport and broader netball community, the Board Chair and departing Members recognise that there is a need for new leadership to enable renewed focus and momentum for Netball NZ.

Whineray has served on the Netball NZ Board for more than eight years, including the past two and a half as Chair.

“Netball has long been a sport that is inclusive, accessible and deeply connected to people of all ages and backgrounds. This job has been deeply fulfilling, and it has been an honour to serve New Zealand’s vibrant netball community over the past eight and a half years,” Whineray said.

“I wanted to extend my gratitude to the rest of the Netball NZ Board and the wider team who work tirelessly as kaitiaki (guardians) of the sport. Your passion and dedication to the success of netball in New Zealand has been unwavering and I am grateful for your support.

“The Board accepts that the last year has been a significantly challenging time for Netball NZ and the wider netball community and, as Chair, I acknowledge there is a need for a change in leadership. To this end, I firmly believe now is the right time for me to step back from the Board and allow Netball NZ to appoint a new Chair to guide the organisation through an important year ahead.”

Netball NZ President Tina Karaitiana acknowledged Whineray’s significant contribution to netball.

“Matt joined the Board back in 2017 and since then has helped guide the organisation through national sporting successes including Constellation Cups wins, seeing the local ANZ Premiership competition flourish, and marking 100 years of netball in New Zealand. Thank you, Matt, for your contributions to Netball NZ over the past eight years.”

“I would also like to recognise the expertise, diligence and support Pavan, Stephen and Aliesha have provided Netball NZ during their tenures,” Karaitiana says.

Over the next week, Netball NZ will commence a robust recruitment process to find suitable replacements for the Board Chair and Board Member roles. All departing Board Members, including the Chair, will remain in their roles until replacements are appointed.

Appointing a new Board Chair is a priority for the organisation as the incoming Chair will take responsibility for managing the recruitment of Netball NZ’s new CEO. Interim CEO Jane Patterson will continue to guide the organisation until this process is complete.

Karaitiana says: “Netball NZ is committed to ensuring a smooth transition as the organisation focuses on a busy 2026, with the 10th year of the ANZ Premiership commencing in April and the upcoming Commonwealth Games from July. Our focus now is on building an enduring future for Netball in Aotearoa.”