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Politicians to go head-to-head with media

Politicians and media will go head-to-head in a charity netball match to raise money for the Tania Dalton Foundation, an organisation that makes a meaningful impact on the lives of budding young sportswomen.

The game is being played as part of the international Netball Quad Series on September 15, and will see the Parly Ferns captained by MP Louisa Wall who represented NZ as a Silver Fern and Black Fern, and the newly formed Media Ferns play for the inaugural Tania Dalton Memorial Trophy.

“It is a privilege for the Parly Ferns to be involved in this game in memory of Tania Dalton as part of the Netball Quad Series,” Wall said.

“Thank you to Jennie Wyllie and Netball New Zealand for this opportunity to not only raise some funds that will ultimately benefit young people in sport by helping to unlock their talent and to support coach Noeline Taurua and her Silver Ferns as they play England.”

TV presenter and former Silver Fern, Bernice Mene, who is leading the Media Ferns says that it’s an honour to be involved in this game and raise money to help young New Zealanders be the best they can be.

“Tania was incredibly passionate about the power of sport to teach young people to live the biggest life they could.  The Foundation aims to make a positive and measurable impact to thousands of young New Zealanders and it’s great to be involved in a game that can make a difference.

“We are really looking forward to taking on the Parly Ferns, it’s going to be a fantastic game - let’s just say that I’m quietly confident about which team will take home the trophy, she said.

The Media Ferns team, which will be coached by Jenny May-Clarkson has been put together by Netball New Zealand.

Jennie Wyllie, Netball NZ CEO said “Supporting communities and encouraging kids to participate in sport is a priority for Netball NZ and we are really excited to be able to support an organisation that has programmes in place to help young sportswomen achieve their potential.

“This charity netball game means we can hopefully assist young sports women with their goal to be the best they can be and encourage them to help others in their own communities to get involved in sport.”

Among those in the Media Ferns team who will take the court alongside Bernice are Wendy Petrie (TVNZ) Dana Johannsen (Stuff), Bernadine Oliver-Kerby (Sky TV), Ravinder Hunia (Radio NZ),  and Tayla Dalton.

The Parly Ferns team comprises Poto Williams, Hon Nanaia Mahuta, Kiritapu Allan, Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Hon Meka Whaitiri, Anahila Kanongata’a-Suisuiki and Melissa Lee

“The Media Ferns team is aimed to be as strong as possible to provide meaningful opposition to the Parly Ferns who have an enviable record in recent games they have played, said Wyllie.

“Both teams have got world-class captains to lead them to a game win. It’s going to be a fantastic effort with some good old-fashioned rivalry thrown in. I can’t wait to see who wins.”

Donations can be made to the Tania Dalton Foundation to support the game via Give a Little:

https://givealittle.co.nz/org/thetaniadaltonfoundation