Pacific umpires shine as netball pathways reveal strong showing in 2025

Pacific netball is celebrating a breakthrough year for umpires, with officials from Sāmoa, Tonga, and Fiji gaining recognition and new opportunities to lead games.

In 2025, Netball Australia managed four umpire development workshops across the region, two in Sāmoa, one in Fiji during the Men’s International, and one in Tonga during the Tala-Tutone Tour, building on initiatives from 2024 in Fiji and Papua New Guinea.

This year, 38 Pacific umpires received Foundation accreditations, while 32 earned C-badges, and seven achieved B-badges, a milestone reflecting the growing skill and dedication of officials.

While there's no publicly available data on the total number of umpires in the Pacific, PMN News understands there could be up to 150 active, accredited Pacific umpires across the main netball nations in the region.

Pacific umpires are also making their mark in New Zealand. Many have progressed through regional development programmes, taking roles in national competitions and mentoring younger officials.

Lance Savali, a New Zealand-based Pacific umpire, highlighted the importance of these pathways in a recent Netball Australia report titled A defining year for Pacific umpires.

Pacific umpires complete training workshops with Netball Australia. Photo/netball.com.au

Photo/netball.com.au

“We are showing that Pacific umpires can thrive at every level, from grassroots games to national tournaments. Our skills, culture, and leadership are being recognised,” Savali says.

In the report, Justine Samu, Netball Samoa's CEO, says developing umpires alongside players is important.

“Through the assistance of Netball Australia and the Australian government, Sāmoa now holds the highest number of B-badge umpires in the Pacific.

Umpires in Fiji worked with Netball Australia facilitators to achieve their badges at the Men's International Series. Photo/netball.com.au

"Competent umpires are crucial for the growth of netball in Samoa,” she says.

Uinita Tauhalaliku, Tonga’s first B-badge umpire, also reported that her achievement was a victory for her country.

“It wasn’t just for me. It was for Tonga, proof that we belong on an international stage. The umpire sets the tone. If players believe you are fair, the game has a good spirit,” she says.

Akira Lima, an umpire from Sāmoa who had initially missed out on her B-badge, credited workshops and mentorship for her success.

“These opportunities are a chance for us to be seen. I dream of one day seeing a Pacific umpire officiating international games, and I believe it is possible,” Lima also reports.

At the Tala-Tutone Tour in Tonga, Netball Australia accredited eight new C Badge umpires. Photo/netball.com.au

In Fiji, James Peter reportedly earned his B-badge after programme facilitators recognised his skill during a local match.

“The smiles on everyone’s faces when we announced this were some of the happiest I have seen,” Emily Green, the facilitator, says in the report.

Regional collaboration continues to grow. B-badged umpires from Sāmoa, Fiji, Tonga, and New Zealand are gaining experience at international tournaments, ensuring the next generation of Pacific officials has strong role models.

Gaberiele Qoro from Netball Fiji praised the region’s potential: “With proper guidance and support, our umpires can reach great heights.”

Netball Australia hopes these initiatives will continue to strengthen pathways for umpires, making the region more self-sufficient in developing talent.

As Claire Kleinschmidt, an Australian A-badge umpire, says, “I hope participants will reach a point of self-sufficiency in developing each other’s skills for sustainable growth.”

The 2025 achievements highlight the talent, dedication, and leadership of Pacific netball umpires and show that the region is ready to take its place on the international stage.