Avis Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic co-captain Erena Mikaere will celebrate a special milestone this weekend, playing her 150th national league match at home at Claudelands Arena.
The towering defender will reach the milestone when the Magic take on Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse on Saturday 6 June, marking another chapter in a career that has spanned 16 seasons, three elite competitions and two countries.
Mikaere’s journey began with the Magic in 2011, before being part of the club’s historic ANZ Championship winning season in 2012.
Since then, she has built an impressive career across both sides of the Tasman, representing the Southern Steel, West Coast Fever, Sunshine Coast Lightning and Northern Mystics, before returning home to the Magic in 2020.
Her time in Australia included back-to-back Suncorp Super Netball titles with the Sunshine Coast Lightning in 2017 and 2018, adding to an already decorated career.
But it is the Magic dress where Mikaere has made her biggest impact, with almost 100 appearances for the Waikato Bay of Plenty side and now helping lead the next generation as co-captain.
Mikaere said reaching 150 games was a milestone she was proud of, but being able to celebrate it at home with the Magic made it even more special.
“It’s pretty special to reach this milestone with the club where it all started,” Mikaere said.
“Magic gave me my first opportunity at this level and I never would have imagined back then where netball would take me. I’ve been lucky enough to play for some incredible teams, meet amazing people and experience different competitions, but Magic has always felt like home.”
Mikaere said while titles and milestones were special, it was the people and connections that stood out the most when reflecting on her career.
“When you first start playing you don’t really think about numbers like 150 games, you just want to take every opportunity you get,” she said.
“There have been plenty of highs and challenges along the way, but they have all shaped me as a player and person. I’m really grateful to still be playing the game I love and now have the chance to help guide some of the younger players coming through.”
Magic head coach Mary-Jane Araroa said Mikaere’s milestone was a reflection of her commitment and resilience at the highest level.
“150 games is an incredible achievement and when you look at the journey Erena has had, it shows just how much she has given to this sport,” Araroa said.
“She’s competed in some of the toughest leagues in the world, experienced success, faced challenges and continued to evolve as an athlete and a leader.
“On court, Erena is a true mana wāhine toa – a fierce competitor whose determination, passion, and unwavering commitment to her team are second to none.”
“Off the court, she is the heart of our team. She leads with manaakitanga and aroha, always making time for those new to our environment and those returning to it. Her heart has always been with Magic, and she genuinely cares about this team and helping the next generation coming through.”
“This side of Erena is rarely seen by those outside our environment, but it is one that has earned the respect of her teammates, management, and opponents alike, and is a big part of what makes her so special.”
Erena Mikaere career at a glance:
• 150 national league matches
• 16 seasons at elite level
• ANZ Championship winner with Magic (2012)
• Two-time Suncorp Super Netball champion with Sunshine Coast Lightning (2017, 2018)
• Represented five elite teams across New Zealand and Australia
• Almost 100 matches in Magic colours
• 2026 Avis Magic co-captain
The Avis Magic take on Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse at Claudelands Arena on Saturday 6 June. Tickets available via ticketek.
