Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic are a netball team in New Zealand. The team is based in Hamilton, an inland city in the North Island of New Zealand. The team was formed in 1998 by merging the Waikato Wildcats and the Bay of Plenty Magic. The team is a part of the ANZ Premiership, which is the top level netball league in New Zealand. Before the ANZ Premiership’s creation in 2016, the Magic played in the now-defunct ANZ Championship.

The Team

The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic head coach is Mary-Jane Araroa, and the captain is Ameliaranne Ekenasio. Below are the 10 athletes who form the Magic team today:

Player	Position
Amy Christophers	GK, GD
Georgie Edgecombe	WD
Ameliaranne Ekenasio	GS, GA
Charlotte Elley	C, WD
Claire Kersten	C, WD
Bailey Mes	GS, GA
Erena Mikaere	GK, GD
Ivana Rowland	GS, GA
Georgia Takarangi (nee Tong)	GK, GD
Simmon Wilbore	WA, C

One of the key strengths of the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic is their passion, dedication, and support to each other on the team. The team cares about their players and wants to foster their athletic skills and netball careers. The team has a strong youth policy and invests heavily in its development programs. This has resulted in a steady stream of talented young players who have gone on to represent New Zealand’s national netball team, the Silver Ferns. The Magic’s focus on creating a positive team environment is evident in the team roster, as there is a mix of experienced, well-respected netball players, and also up-and-coming talent.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and the ANZ Championship

In 2012, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic team made history as the only New Zealand netball team to win the ANZ Championship. The ANZ Championship was founded in 2008, and at first, people considered the Australian netball teams to be much stronger than the New Zealand netball teams. There was an underlying assumption that the New Zealand teams were just simply not as good. So when the Magic was the first New Zealand team to win the trans-Tasman netball competition in 2012, there can be no understatement to say how excited New Zealand was. The Magic team still gets to hold that title and pride today.

Between 2008 and 2016, the Magic were frequently one of the strongest New Zealand teams in the ANZ Championship. When they finally went down in history as the first New Zealand team to earn the champion title, it was well-deserved. However, they had a rough start in 2012, losing their first four games. Yet, they completely turned it around wining the next 12 games in a row. Their very last game that season is still memorable today, as it was against the Melbourne Vixens in front of 10,000 fans in Melbourne. The Magic were behind, and then took the win with a close final score of 41-38.

Some of the key players who led the Magic to the 2012 Champion title were Irene van Dyk, Laura Langman, Casey Kopua, Leana de Bruiin, and Sulu Fitzpatrick, who has gone on to captain the Silver Ferns, New Zealand’s national netball team. Erena Mikaere was also a part of that winning team in 2012, and left the Magic team for a few years, but now has returned to her home team in 2020. Mikaere will be wearing the Magic’s uniform once again in this year’s ANZ Premiership season.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and the Community

Off the court, the Magic are actively involved in their local community. The team runs a number of community programs, including coaching clinics for young netballers, charity events, and school visits. The Magic’s involvement in the community has helped to build a strong connection between the team and its fans.

Both on and off the court, the Magic’s strong fan base is apparent. The team has a large and passionate following, with fans from all over New Zealand.

2023 ANZ Premiership

We are very excited to follow the Magic in this year’s ANZ Premiership. We know they will bring strong play across the board and their games will be exciting to watch! For more info on Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, you can check out their official website here.

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic

The Team

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and the ANZ Championship

Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic and the Community

2023 ANZ Premiership

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