Mid-winter greetings, New Zealand Handball supporters!
July has dished up its usual fare of Handball activity around the country, with the senior men’s and `national youth squads holding training camps and each Region’s Handball programmes in full swing. In some ways it has been the calm before the storm, with an action-packed three months ahead. Those three months are book-ended by two major international tournaments New Zealand is taking part in, with some high octane domestic competition and a dose of organisational admin thrown into the mix - there should be something in it for everyone!.
In this month’s updates I touch on a few of the highlights coming up, plus offer a sneak peek at something truly special in store for next year.
NZ Youth Men depart to take on the world
Hard to believe the day has finally come. After an intense six months of training and fundraising, our Men’s Under 19 Squad has now left the country for the Handball Youth World Championships in Croatia, 2-13 August, taking in a high performance training camp with other nations in Hungary en route.
It has been a massive undertaking for Delegation Head Thomas Schmider, coach Hayden Juranovich and the lads, and now their time has finally come. New Zealand is up against Hungary, Morocco, and Slovenia in pool play. It is not going to be easy over there, but it is fantastic for a New Zealand team to be a part of it. Check out the NZHF Facebook page for details and how to access livestreams (hopefully!) of our games, or check out the details here https://handball.org.nz/u19-mens-handball-world-championship-2023 . Give ‘em a taste of Kiwi, boys!
And it’s not all about the boys. Closer to home, the Women’s Junior and Youth squads are taking shape as they prepare to take on the best Oceania has to offer in New Caledonia in October. Delegation Head Laura Macready has been working tirelessly to pull it all together in a hurry, and we are looking forward to seeing them in action.
And now for the REAL excitement –
NZHF AGM 1 October
Yes, everyone’s annual highlight of the Handball calendar, the New Zealand Handball Federation AGM, has been set down for Sunday 1 October, commencing 7.30pm. As with the last couple of editions, we will be running this year’s AGM virtually. Please email president@handball.org.nz no later than 16 September if there are any items of business you would like raised.
Other than presenting our annual report and financial statements, the key item of business for each AGM is usually the election of Executive Committee members. As per the constitution, this year Tim Rayner, Willy Silcock and Maddie Stephen stand down by rotation as they end their current two-year term, with me and Rowan Moloughney continuing, and the Life Members’ appointee for the year ahead (currently Frank Stoltenberg) to be confirmed following the AGM. That means there are four spots up for grabs to be elected at the AGM. If any of our Clubs have someone in mind they think could make a positive contribution to New Zealand Handball by serving on the Executive Committee, please encourage them to make themselves available and put their names forward.
The deadline for nominations for Executive Committee members is Saturday 16 September, and the confirmed agenda for the AGM will be circulated 17 September.
Referee course 2023
This year’s online referee training course has now concluded. Thanks to all those who invested their time to take part, and the Clubs who supported the programme – and to Antoine for running it. We look forward to announcing the newly minted crop of referees who have qualified to wear the green at September’s Club Champs. Speaking of which -
Club Champs – Wellington’s Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, 8-10 September
We have had 15 teams register for this year’s Club Champs by the deadline – ten competing in the Men’s section and five in the Women’s, including one team coming over from Sydney to take part. That’s two more teams than last year, and we are looking forward to another fantastic tournament and opportunity for the entire New Zealand Handball community to get together.
Further details to follow closer to throw off time. Meantime, for any teams travelling from out of town who are yet to secure their accommodation, we have secured a special deal for the tournament with the Brentwood Hotel, just a short stroll from the Stadium - https://www.brentwoodhotel.co.nz/. Contact secretary@handball.org.nz for more information about how to access that deal.
Regional Champs – Christchurch’s Pioneer Stadium, 7-8 October
To round off the upcoming dosage of Handball action we have the clash of the Regions in Christchurch, as we look to finish the indoor season in style. Regional Associations, please ensure you are liaising with your affiliated players in plenty of time to be able to take part.
Trans-Tasman Clash – Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park 3-5 May
To round off this month’s update, I am delighted to announce that we are scheduling a trans-Tasman clash in May, for what we hope will become a regular fixture on our respective Handball calendars. The plan is to stage a contest involving Senior and Under 20 Teams, Men and Women, for the first leg of a home and away series. This is the first time we have attempted such a clash on this scale, as we look to increase the level of competition between New Zealand and Australia. We are still in the early planning stages, but save the date!
Yours in Handball,
David Ireland
President
New Zealand Handball Federation