Trans-Tasman Netball Exchange Showcases Opportunity for Future University Competition

Last week, a landmark student-sport exchange brought together university netball teams from both sides of the Tasman, reaffirming the strong appetite for deeper trans-Tasman sporting opportunities. Although not an official UTSNZ or UniSport Australia event, the exchange was endorsed by the four participating universities and further demonstrated the viability of a concept currently being explored by the two National University Sport Federations.

Late this year, UniSport Australia and UTSNZ began jointly assessing the potential for a formal trans-Tasman university netball competition. While 2025 was deemed too soon to launch a full competition, early interest from member universities was overwhelmingly positive. That enthusiasm was further confirmed when the top teams from UniSport Australia Nationals expressed a desire to travel to New Zealand regardless, seeking a meaningful international opportunity for their student-athletes.

AUT, winners of New Zealand’s 2025 National Tertiary Netball Championship, volunteered to host the visiting sides - Australian Catholic University (ACU) and University of Technology Sydney (UTS) - along with the University of Auckland (UoA), who joined as local competitors. Across a week in Auckland, the four teams engaged in spirited on-court matchups while enjoying significant off-court cultural and social experiences. The exchange has been widely praised by team staff and student-athletes for its competitiveness, connection, and exceptional hospitality.

AUT Sport Manager and team manager Quinlin Bosson-Thompson, who also led the hosting arrangements on the AUT campus, highlighted the unique nature of the exchange.“This tournament has been a fantastic showcase of the netball talent we have here in Oceania. Seeing the four teams compete on court but also connect off it has been a highlight. These international opportunities play a massive part in our students’ university journey and I’d love to see this continue in the future.”

Building on this, AUT captain Erin Fobbester reflected on the impact the week had on her team, noting the value of competing against unfamiliar styles and the growth they experienced throughout the tournament.“This Trans-Tasman tournament has been a great experience and has given us the opportunity to play against a different style of netball. It has definitely been a challenge, but seeing the team’s growth over the competition is a highlight.”

UoA's 2025 Sportswoman of the Year, Te Paea, also reflected on the wider significance of the experience for her team: “Playing in this tournament was an incredible opportunity. Every chance I get to represent my university is special, but this experience was about more than just netball. It allowed us to build whakawhanaungatanga and form connections with the Australian universities we played. Competing against them, sharing stories, and learning from their style of play helped us grow not just as athletes, but as a collective.”

Reinforcing this sense of connection, Jake McRae, UOA Performance Sport Co-ordinator highlighted the strength of the partnerships built throughout the exchange: “One of the real highlights was teaming up with AUT from an event delivery perspective. Instead of competing all year, coming together to launch this tournament created a genuine sense of unity and spirit that felt uniquely powerful. It was great to see how we matched up on the international stage, and we’re walking away with some real golden nuggets to bring into our national campaigns.”

For the Australian teams, the exchange offered just as much off the court as on it. ACU Sport Officer James Little spoke about the deeper connections that formed across borders and campuses during their stay.“The most valuable outcome has been the strong and lasting connections formed between university staff and students across both countries. We have been deeply moved by the kindness and generosity shown in welcoming us into their accommodation and sport facilities.”

That sense of connection was shared by UTS captain Georgia Lafford, who emphasised how both the competition and the opportunity to explore Auckland shaped the team’s experience.“Playing in the Trans-Tasman Tournament has been a truly memorable experience and, for many of our athletes, their first chance to compete internationally. AUT and the University of Auckland made our stay exceptional - from access to awesome sports facilities to helping us explore iconic locations like Waiheke Island and Mount Eden. These moments have added an extra layer of enjoyment to an already unforgettable week.”

UTS team manager Paige Green summed up the week by reflecting on its broader significance for student-athletes and for the future of trans-Tasman collaboration.“This week has shown just how impactful international opportunities can be for our student-athletes - not only in their sporting development, but in the way they connect with new environments, new people, and new challenges. This exchange has set the tone for a strong and ongoing partnership that will continue creating pathways for future teams.”

UTSNZ in particular acknowledges AUT for the exceptional care and hospitality shown to the visiting Australian teams, helping to lay strong foundations for a positive and enduring future of trans-Tasman university sport exchanges. Throughout the week, students explored Auckland, connected with local communities, and further strengthened the spirit of collaboration between institutions. The warm, supportive environment created by AUT was consistently praised, underscoring the university’s leadership in delivering high-quality international student-sport experiences.

Ultimately the success of this informal exchange is further confirmation that a formalised trans-Tasman university netball competition is a viable and promising opportunity. Discussions with Unisport Australia will continue with the aim of establishing a structured annual event in future years, with hosting expected to alternate between countries.

For now, the 2025 exchange stands as a strong example of what trans-Tasman university sport can offer: high performance, cultural connection, student development, and a shared spirit that extends far beyond the court.