Netball Cook Islands is proudly hosting the 2024 Netball World Youth Cup Oceania Qualifier from September 16-21 in collaboration with the Oceania Netball federation.

Ngere Puia, president of Netball Cook Islands, welcomed the teams from Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tonga and Fiji, at the opening ceremony yesterday held at the National Sports Arena.

Ngere Puia, Netball Cook Islands president, addresses the crowd at the official opening of the Netball World Youth Cup Qualifier Oceania. MELINA ETCHES/24091640

These five teams are participating in this regional qualifier, with the top side heading to the 2025 Netball World Youth Cup in Gibraltar.

Puia says the Cook Islands, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, and Tonga are all vying for a spot in the Netball World Youth Cup 2025.

“Fiji has already pre-qualified and will participate in our tournament as a non-competitive team,” she said.

For the past few months, it has been the mission for Netball Cook Islands to have in place all the necessary requirements to host this international event.

Puia acknowledged the government, Cook Islands Investment Corporation and the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee for their efforts to ensure the National Sports Arena was ready.

She also welcomed the Oceania Netball Federation president Wainikiti (Kiti) Bogidrau from Fiji.

Bogidrau said “this is a celebration of unity, dedication and passion”.

Oceania Netball Federation president Wainikiti (Kiti) Bogidrau. MELINA ETCHES/24091639

“The road to Gibraltar is a challenging one and we look forward to exciting netball over the next five days.”

Bogidrau noted the contribution of the sponsors, volunteers and technical officials.

Member of Parliament for Manihiki, Akaita Puna, is a former national netball coach.

Speaking on behalf of the government, Puna said: “Netball is in our DNA.”

“We are truly privileged to host this event.”

Puna added that this qualifier is an exciting time for the teams competing for a place in the World Cup.

She also acknowledged Margaret Matenga, a former Silver Ferns, and Tina Browne, the former president of Oceania Netball, for her contribution to the sport.

Mark Short and Jane Rubena’s Te Manavanui group provided the cultural drumming opening show which included performances by champion dancers Zoe Hoff and Tamaiva-Ariki Mateariki.