Men’s netball soars: Mystics and Stars programme ignites talent, opportunities

Men’s netball in Aotearoa New Zealand continues to gain momentum, and the fourth instalment of the Te Taonga Manu Taki Series, featuring the Mystics and Stars men’s squads, clearly shows how far the game and its participants have progressed.

What began as a grassroots initiative has evolved into a recognised high-performance platform, providing genuine development opportunities for players and staff within the Mystics Pathways.

Newly appointed head coach Peter McInnes is only the fourth coach to take on the role and is part of the broader Mystics coaches' pathway. Previous coaches in this position include current Head Coach Tia Winikerei, former head coach Helene Wilson, and Wanna Araroa.

The Mystics' environment, together with McInnes, seeks to cultivate a high-performance atmosphere where players can excel right from the outset during trials.

“Started with a bit of fitness testing and then did some skills, and I thought the players adapted well and they looked really good on court,” he says.

“By the time they got out there to play, the standard got better and better throughout the day, which is going to make selecting the team pretty difficult, which is cool. That's a good problem to have.”

Building blocks: Testing, skills and selection

From the outset, the programme's focus is clear: development, including support staff.

Brian Keeper, a coach developer for Netball Northern was allowed to contribute. His experience and expertise gave the triallists an understanding of the fundamentals of testing and their purpose, elements previously lacking in men’s netball.

“Testing is quite important for the fundamental stuff," he says. “I like to use it to give people a starting point and then somewhere to grow.”

Through this experience over the past few years, players' understanding and management of the game have improved, contributing to the success of the Mystics Men’s team. A notable achievement was that the 2024 team swept the inaugural series.

2024 Mystics Mens Player's Jonah Tan and Jamie Brown during skill session. PhotoTom/Hamill

A legacy in the making: How it all began

For Winikerei, the inaugural coach of the Mystics Men’s team, the origins of the initiative are deeply personal. She recalls its beginnings as a pilot project involving Kruze Tangira, who was then a training partner for the Mystics, and Helene Wilson, the Mystics' head coach.

“If I think back to when we started this thing, Kruze Tangira was a training partner for the Mystics and Helene Wilson was the coach. As a brainchild of theirs, we got this up and running.

“This initiative didn’t just provide playing opportunities, it was also a launchpad for staff development.

“Now, when I look back, the reason that I'm now coaching the Mystics is in part due to the pathway that's been created for people like me.

“It’s provided opportunities for support staff like strength and conditioning coaches and physio to come and lead their part in this programme.”

Coaches Helene Wilson and Tia Winikerei. Photo/Supplied.

Looking ahead: Rules, representation and relevance

The upcoming series promises to highlight of the men’s netball calendar. McInnes is particularly optimistic about the introduction of ANZ Premiership rules, including the two-point shot in the final five minutes, a change that increases competitiveness and entertainment value.

“It’s a good spectacle for men’s netball, just a good spectacle for netball in general. Nice to be playing the same rules as the ANZ this year with the two-point shot in the last five minutes.”

More than a game

What is unfolding within the Mystics environment is more than just a good sport; it signifies a systemic change. By providing a professional setting for aspiring athletes, coaches, physiotherapists, and support staff, the programme is broadening the definition of high performance in Aotearoa.

As Winikerei puts it, the initiative has created a ripple effect of opportunity: “It’s provided opportunities for staff and the management and the performance support services to get involved in high-performance sport differently.”

2024 Mystics and Mystics Mens team. Photo/Supplied

The growth of men’s netball goes beyond simply adding new teams on court; it’s about fostering new leaders, new voices, and a new future for netball in New Zealand.

This is evident in the selection of this year's team, which has a mix of experienced players and local pathway participants ready to shine as they take on their rivals, the Stars Men.

2025 Mystics Men's squad: Dylan Bartels, Liam Dalton, Al Fox, Océon Grady, Thornton Kingi, Benny Mathews, Mikaira Raerino, Xavier Reid, Joshua Takurua, Joh Tukaki, Soane Veatupu, Te Reiwhati Vercoe, Eriata Vercoe, Kyan Watson, Nathan Wilson

Head Coach: Peter McInnes. Assistant Coach: Paula Smith. Team Manager: Nikola Kemp. Physiotherapist: Emma Mackie, Charlie Wiess. Strength and Conditioning Coach: Milly Farquar.

Men’s Series - Mystics v Stars

Monday 30 June 5.35pm, Pulman Arena, Papakura. Sunday 6 July 2.05pm, Trusts Arena, Henderson. Sunday 13 July 2.05pm, Trusts Arena, Henderson.