MAYOR’S OFFICE
AUCKLAND CITY
Moving Auckland Forward
Hon John Banks QSO
Mayor of Auckland City
24 July 2003
‘’Vodafone Silver Ferns Welcome Home’
An Auckland City Reception
Speech notes: Hon John Banks QSO
12 noon, Thursday 24 July 2003, Aotea Square
What a triumph for the women in black!
Auckland City puts success on a pedestal.
We are very proud of the Vodafone Silver Ferns victory in Jamaica.
It has been 16 long years since New Zealand last won the world championships.
Today we welcome home the world’s greatest netball players, New Zealand coach Ruth Aitken, and the management team.
We salute each and every one of you.
We salute the leadership of team captain, Anna Rowberry.
Winning the world championships is a tribute to everything good about women’s sport in New Zealand.
Netball already has the most players of any sport in the country and has a huge supporter base.
This week netball in New Zealand got bigger - much bigger.
Too often in the past has the old enemy Australia snatched the international honours from us. Not this week!
The Vodafone Silver Ferns kept their composure, confronted the pressure, and kept the faith.
We salute your control, your courage, your determination, and your victory.
Your 49-47 win over Australia has given so many a huge lift throughout the country.
It was a splendid match. You are a splendid squad. Today Auckland City says thank you.
Ends