Growing up in Taranaki, defender Dixie Cockerton went on to forge her senior Netball career while teaching in Rotorua and Matamata.

Her selection to the Silver Ferns in 1948 was the start of a procession of top quality players to come out of the small Waikato town of Matamata before the urban drift took effect.

A fine all-round sportswoman, six-foot tall goalkeeper Cockerton was the equal tallest player in the 1948 Silver Ferns team and a real student of the game.

A dedicated trainer, Cockerton’s teaching background was easily transferred to the Netball court where her planning, tactical awareness and reading of the game was a strong influence.

Another of the era to experience a short-lived international career, playing just the one Test, Cockerton moved into coaching when her playing days were over.

A popular figure, Cockerton was at the helm of the 1960 and 1963 Silver Ferns teams, coinciding with significant moments in New Zealand’s netballing history.

A future legendary figure of the sport, Dame Lois Muir was in the 1963 team and credits Cockerton with having a huge influence on both her own playing and coaching careers