AVIS Magic were given a warm welcome in the Eastern Bay of Plenty during a recent visit to Te Wharekura o Ruatoki, where players connected with tamariki and rangatahi from seven kura across the region - including Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Huiarau, Ashbrook Kura in Ōpōtiki, Waimana, Tawera, Tāneatua, and Nukuhou.
Following a karakia and whakatau in the school hall, it wasn’t long before the sound of competition and laughter filled the air. Magic players Ameliaranne Ekenasio and Erena Mikaere led age-based skill sessions which brought energy, challenges, and plenty of friendly rivalry.
“It was just so inspirational to have the AVIS Magic team here,” said Te Wharekura o Ruatoki Tumuaki, Wallace Pene. “Sport is big in the valley, and to see their idols in real life, not just on the screen, shows our young people what’s possible. It takes mahi, but they can do it. The last Silver Fern we had here was Sandy Edge.”
Former Black Fern and Bay of Plenty netballer Exia Shelford, who attended with Ashbrook Kura, said, “Days like this are special. The leaders of the sport are working closely with the kids who look up to them. It gives them hope and shows the work behind what they usually only see on TV.”
Later in the day, the team travelled to Te Teko, where netball games were already underway as part of a participation day. Their arrival sparked cheers from the courts, with players calling out, “The Magic are here!” as coaches reminded them to stay focused.
Autograph signings and photos followed, with posters, clothing, shoes, and even arms, being signed. The joy was unmistakable.
Across both visits, parents and teachers spoke about how much it meant to have Magic players in their communities and said they were now looking at ways to attend future games in person. Many shared how much they already enjoy watching Magic play, whether on screen at home or at local clubs.
The visit was a chance to connect, inspire, and celebrate netball, and a reminder of the powerful role sport and sporting role models play in so many of our communities.
