Ten titles across 10 contested seasons have created an extraordinary legacy for Westlake Girls’ Year 9-1 Netball team.
The remarkable run continued last week when the 2026 team defeated Takapuna Grammar 31–26 in the Harbour Netball Year 9 Championship final.
Unbeaten throughout the season, Westlake knew the final would be a tight contest – and it didn’t disappoint. After 10 minutes, Westlake held just a one-goal lead. Swift play through the midcourt from Lauren Graham and Bonnie Collins, combined with accurate shooting from Indie Wood and Miller McLean, gave Westlake the buffer needed to pull ahead in the second quarter.
The final quarter tested the young team as Takapuna came back strongly, winning the quarter 7–6. However, intense circle defence from Latiyana Tuitupou and Avia Masaga delighted spectators and helped secure another Harbour Year 9 Championship for Westlake Girls.
Over the past decade, the Year 9-1 teams, coached by April Ieremia or Liz Page, have featured an impressive number of talented athletes who have gone on to represent New Zealand in their chosen sports. These include Kaia Tupu South and Karmen Maritz (athletics); Holly Williams, Ellie Minton, Charli Foster, Maddison Yee-Joy and Tai Baillie (touch); Imani Rasmussen (netball and basketball); Amy Pateman, Mackenzie Chatfield, Jessica, Rebecca and Katie Moors (basketball); Rachel Dean (water polo); and Georgia Marshall (skiing), to name just a few.
Year 9-1 Championship Finals
- 2026 – WGHS 9/1 vs Takapuna Grammar 9/1
- 2025 – WGHS 9/1 vs Carmel 9/1
- 2024 – WGHS 9/1 vs Long Bay 9/1
- 2023 – WGHS 9/1 vs Carmel 9/1
- 2022 – WGHS 9/1 vs Rangitoto 9/1
- 2021 – WGHS 9/1 vs Whangaparāoa 9/1
- 2019 – WGHS 9/1 vs Rangitoto 9/1
- 2018 – WGHS 9/1 vs Carmel 9/1
- 2017 – WGHS 9/1 vs Kaipara 9/1
- 2016 – WGHS 9/1 vs Westlake 9/2
Ten titles. Ten years. One extraordinary legacy.
