Poole to move on from Netball New Zealand

Poole to move on from Netball New Zealand

Tuesday 07 June, 2016

Netball New Zealand announced today Hilary Poole’s resignation as Chief Executive.

Poole advised her resignation to the Board earlier in the year, for this to take effect once the strategic direction for NZ’s new elite competition structure had been set. She will finish her role at the end of the month.

Poole took on the role of NNZ Chief Executive in 2013 and has successfully led Netball Zealand through a time of change and strategic development over the last three years.

Poole says it had been a huge privilege to lead Netball New Zealand.

"I would like to acknowledge the team who I have worked with, the incredibly dedicated and hard-working staff and Board at Netball New Zealand, the Zones and Centres, including the Netball volunteers around the country, and our partners."

“Whilst there is never an ideal time to leave a role I do believe now is the best time in the Netball cycle. It will allow Netball New Zealand to bring in new leadership to implement the strategic changes that have been put in place, heading towards the 2019 Netball World Cup in England,” she said.

“Netball in New Zealand is an incredible community to be part of and the way the sport continues to grow and develop shows what great heart Netball is in."

"I am particularly proud of the national programmes we have developed and implemented for players, coaches and officials during my time. These, along with the establishment of the ANZ futureFERNS through which we are seeing strong growth in junior participation, and the setup of the Beko Netball League, will all contribute to a strong and sustainable Netball system,” Poole said.

Poole has been instrumental in the formation of SANZEA, a joint venture between South Africa, New Zealand, England and Australia, which will see these nations host regular international competition such as the Netball Quad Series.

Furthermore, Poole has taken a lead role in the successful review of the ANZ Championship including securing a five year broadcast agreement with SKY TV which will ensure NZ’s Elite competition provides increased value to Netball in New Zealand.

Netball New Zealand Board Chair John Bongard paid tribute to Poole’s leadership and vision for the sport.

“The Netball New Zealand Board would like to acknowledge and thank Hilary for her strategic leadership, commitment and hard work, and the professional way she has guided the sport through a significant period of change and growth over the past few years."

"Whilst we are very sad to see Hilary move on, we are so grateful for what has been achieved during her tenure. Hilary has an incredible work ethic and her dedication and energy to Netball has been outstanding,” Bongard said.

Following seven years of leading positive change in national sport organisations, firstly with Hockey New Zealand, and currently Netball New Zealand, Poole has decided it is to time to focus on her governance and commercial career, and she will continue to seek ways in which she can contribute to sport and healthy lifestyles in New Zealand.

The NNZ Board will now begin the process to recruit a new Chief Executive of Netball New Zealand.

Ends.

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