World Netball honours Pacific administrator

Oceania Netball Director Wainikiti (Kiti) Bogidrau, who passed away in Suva almost two weeks ago, has been posthumously awarded the sport's highest honour.

Bogidrau is the 44th person to receive the prestigious World Netball Award.

The award recognises her "extraordinary contributions" to the sport in Fiji, Oceania, and globally.

World Netball says the award is presented to individuals who have provided exceptional service to the federation at the international level over many years.

The sport's global body said this distinction was achieved with "remarkable dedication and passion".

Bogidrau died on 7 January after a short illness, aged 56, and was laid to rest in Suva last Friday.

She was appointed Director of the Oceania region at the World Netball Congress in 2019.

As an experienced administrator, Bogidrau held various positions at the district and national levels over the past 20 years. She served as President of Netball Fiji in 2010 until her death.

The former journalist held a Bachelor's degree in Population Studies and Demography from the University of the South Pacific, a Master's degree in Pacific Island Studies, and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Administration, both from the University of Hawaii Manoa.

Wainikiti Bogidrau passed away in Suva on 7 January after a short illness. She was 56 years old. Photo/Kiti Bogidrau/Facebook

At the time of her death, Bogidrau was leading research and product development at Fiji's National Provident Fund, the country's only superannuation fund and largest financial institution.

She was also a director of several corporate, charitable, and provincial organisations and a member of the Australian Institute of Directors.

Bogidrau played netball from primary and secondary school through club competitions and continued to participate in social netball through the masters and business house tournaments.

Shirley Hooper, Vice President of World Netball, said the sport had lost a loyal servant, leader, and friend.

Hooper from New Zealand and Tonga Netball Chief Executive Salote Sisifa attended Bogidrau's funeral.

Hooper said that in recognition of "Kiti’s extraordinary contributions" to netball in Fiji, the Oceania region, and globally, the World Netball Board has awarded her a posthumous World Netball Service Award, making her the 44th person to receive the prestigious honour.

Shirley Hooper delivers World Netball's eulogy at the funeral in Suva. Photo/Salote Sisifa - Facebook

"Kiti’s journey in netball administration began over 20 years ago. As President of Netball Fiji from 2010 to 2020, she successfully led the team that won the bid for Fiji to host the World Youth Cup 2021.

"In 2019, Kiti was appointed to the World Netball Board as the Director for the Oceania region. Her leadership and contributions have been vital to the Board ever since.

"Kiti took her role as Oceania President very seriously, always striving to understand the unique challenges faced by each island and offering her support to help them navigate those challenges.

"She never assumed that every island was the same as Fiji, demonstrating her deep commitment to the diverse needs of the region.

"On the World Netball Board, Kiti was always well-prepared, listening intently during discussions and offering insightful contributions when she spoke.

"Her thoughtful reflections were powerful and wise, earning the respect of all who worked with her.

Photo/Salote Sisifa

"Kiti’s input helped shape many important decisions within World Netball. Kiti’s unwavering commitment to the sport throughout her life has not gone unnoticed.

"The lasting impact she made on netball globally will continue to be felt for years to come.

"Kiti embodies the very essence of the World Netball Service Award, and there could be no more deserving recipient of this honour."

Hundreds of mourners, including government officials, sporting representatives, colleagues, friends, and family, gathered at the Centenary Methodist Church to bid farewell to Bogidrau.

In her tribute, Sisifa said Bogidrau was "a dear colleague" but, more importantly, "a consistent friend".

"Twelve years ago, being a newbie to Netball in Tonga, Oceania and World Netball, and without hesitation, you and Netball Sāmoa CEO then Rosemarie Lome gave me a rope to hold on to while I tried to find myself and Tonga on the netball stage. You were my first friends in the Netball Family, hence the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Tonga Netball's CEO Salote Sisifa pays her respects during the reguregu (tangi) at Wainikiti Bogidrau's home in Suva. Photo/Salote Sisifa

"Last year in the Cook Islands, you joked, 'Hey Miss Tonga, slow down now. I didn’t help you for Tonga to get too good', and we all laughed. You would often joke to Rosie, 'Don’t let this Tongan and her red signature lipstick intimidate us'.

"Kiti, you’ve received the highest honour, deservingly, from World Netball, and Shirley Hooper's presence is a testament to what you meant to netball on the world stage.

"It was both fulfilling and an honour for me to be present to represent the Oceania Netball Family. Thank you, Madam President, PNG Netball Ulato Avei and Oceania for the support.

"Thank you, Kiti, for the leadership, friendship, honesty, and kindness shown towards me and all you knew."

Bogidrau is survived by her daughter.