Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre stalwart Robyn Garner has been awarded the coveted Netball New Zealand Service Award.
Garner, who was surprised to receive her award at the recent Netball New Zealand Council meeting in Christchurch, was nominated by Howick Pakuranga Awards Convenor Pat James and HPNC’s Jan Castle, Pauline Coultas and Julie McDonald.
“This is such a well-deserved award as Robyn has given, and continues to give, so much of her time to Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre,” said HPNC office manager Sarah Harrison.
Garner has given long service to netball at grass roots level and beyond.
“The passion started at HPNZ Year 5 level and continued on into representative teams as a player and latterly as a representative coach,” her nomination reads.
“Robyn received her HPNC Service Award in 1983 and her Life Member of HPNC in 2017. Robyn brought her own style of leadership, open consultation with clubs, new initiatives and encompassing views to the future consideration of an indoor facility, is approachable and open to ideas.
“She is a prominent member of the Howick Pakuranga Netball Centre. She began her long association with netball as a representative player, coach and umpire.
“Later, as a player with the College Old Girls Club and Shelley Park Netball Club, she was president of Shelley Park Netball Club
