National team commitment dominated netball expenses in 2019.

The national netball body recorded a small loss of $207 after spending a bulk of $152,618 income on the national teams.

The Black Pearls took part in a number of international events which has resulted in its improved 12th ranking.

According to the financial report which was tabled at Wednesday’s annual general meeting, Netball Cook Islands’ total annual income was $106,163.

The association received $46,455 as additional income from New Zealand Netball for the Pacific Sporting Partnership (PSP) programme.

About half of the income came from fundraisers run by the association in collaboration with the clubs.

Netball Cook Islands received $29,334 from Cook Islands Sports and Olympic Committee (CISNOC) under the all sports grant fund, raised $18,307 from the presentation dinner, $5000 from a mini raffle and $19,145 from a run-a-thon which was actively participated by the clubs.

The cost of sending the national teams to the Pacific Nations Cup in Auckland, M1 Nations Cup in Singapore and the Pacific Games in Samoa was $91,420.

The local competition expenses for payment of bench officials and umpires represented 15 per cent of the total expenses or $20,113.

Andrea Rongokea, Netball Cook Islands’ vice president high performance, said their financial report highlights the reality of just how expensive it is to commit to any campaign – and netball is not alone in that reality.

“It is often the same people who are volunteering their time and donating their money, and it certainly takes its toll on our small population base. That is why we are so very, very thankful to CISNOC, who have made it possible for not only netball but other sports as well.

“CISNOC have supported us immensely, and ensured that we have gone through the proper channels and all of our processes are in line with policy to ensure we can apply for the funding allocated.”
Rongokea said the report also shows all the hard work and commitment that has come not only from the members, but also the general public, in supporting their goals.

“If we achieve as a sport, then our young girls and women will also achieve and aspire to be something greater, and this has such a positive effect on our local community all the way down to the grass roots.”

Netball Cook Islands president Mii Maui said 2019 was a very busy year but no different from any other year in terms of its calendar of events and striving towards meeting each one.

Maui said 2020 will be another challenging year especially in the international calendar which will involve the national under-21 and senior teams.

The U21s will focus on qualifying to the 2021World Youth Netball Championships in Fiji. The qualifiers will be held in June this year in Fiji.

The senior team is looking to retain its 12th ranking position achieved after Pacific Games gold medal win, to automatically qualify for the Commonwealth Games 2022.

Meanwhile Kura Moekaa and Mavis Teaurima were appointed the new secretary and treasurer, respectively, at Wednesday’s AGM.

Maui said: “We thank the departing executives Roana Mataitini (treasurer) and Ngere Puia Fraser (secretary) for their contribution to Netball Cook Islands and we know that they will continue to contribute to the future of netball through their clubs.”