Marie Holden has been recognised as one of six treasured contributors to the country’s netball community being named an ANZ Local Legend.
Nominated by Diane Bennett, the feisty netball coach was recognised due to her dedication and enthusiasm that has ensured Cromwell’s netball success over the past 20 years.
ANZ Local Legends were introduced for the first time this year to celebrate the thousands of unpaid volunteers who support New Zealand’s netball players – the diehard team supporters, parents, coaches, team managers, umpires and administrators who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure community netball thrives in Aotearoa.
“I met Diane while coaching her daughter, now 21 years old. It was really nice she thought to nominate me.
I’m turning 56 in a few weeks’ time and as long as this body can keep me on the court, I’ll be there,” Marie says.
Humbled to be recognised and honoured as a pillar of community netball by ANZ and her club, she was awarded $15,000 to go towards new commercial kitchen appliances in the soon to be revamped Cromwell Sports Club and $1000 for herself.
“Our annual fundraiser is cheese rolls, we have a recipe that’s cherished by the community each year and the new appliance package will benefit the whole community,” she adds.
ANZ Head of Sponsorship Sue McGregor said, “ANZ is proud to have stood behind grassroots netball in New Zealand for 10 years, from the community organisers and players right up to the elite athletes. We know that having the support of someone in your community can make a massive difference in achieving your netball goals and we’re honoured to be able to get in behind Cromwell’s Marie Holden and help support community netball.”
Marie’s tireless schedule revolves around her own family, her career, hours of volunteering, a lot of travel and her dedication to whatever she puts her mind to.
Cromwell netball has been able to draw from her experience, dedication, and sheer passion for the game.
