The BOP Magic Netball squad kicked off their 2026 pre-season campaign with an intensive training and leadership camp held across the Eastern Bay, and unveiled their new uniform.

After arriving in Whakatāne on Monday, the team took on the challenging 18-kilometre Toi’s Track before heading to Kawerau for a swim session and leadership course. The day concluded in Tāneatua, where the squad connected with the Tāneatua rugby team for a shared training and skills session.

Following discussions around core Magic values and leadership qualities, it was time to put the Tāneatua rugby players through their paces. While the rugby team tackled sprint drills, Magic head coach Mary-Jane Araroa, who hails from Te Teko, outlined the squad’s pre-season aspirations.

“We know we are a new team with a lot of younger players who bring a different vibe and energy,” said Araroa. “We’re not focusing on the opposition we’re focusing on ourselves and how we want to enter the season. For 2026, everyone wants to win or at least reach the elimination stages, but we understand there’s a process and a mindset required. We don’t want to look too far ahead. We measure ourselves on development and what we want to achieve,” said Araroa.

With several new players joining the squad, the focus is on ensuring each athlete understands her role, enabling the team to progress from one in development to one that excels.

For Araroa, the camp also provided an opportunity to return home and immerse the team in grassroots sport.

“I love being back in the Bay, and it’s special to bring the team to my home ground,” she said. “They don’t often get the chance to connect with grassroots’ communities. This group has only been in camp for two days and they’re already showing connection, growth, and commitment – exactly what this camp is designed to foster,” said Araroa.

“The Toi’s Track was about teaching connection and establishing who we are under stress, fatigue, and adversity challenges that accelerate team bonding. We followed that with a rigorous swim programme focused on exposure and resilience. Some players were uncomfortable in the water, but they pushed through.”

Araroa acknowledged the challenges of coaching, noting that leadership doesn’t always guarantee stability or success. Instead, it’s the people that keep her motivated.

“For younger players, the experience can be intimidating with new contracts, a new environment, and a higher level of intensity,” she said. “Helping them develop, believe they belong, and grow as athletes is what drives me.”

Netball has been part of Araroa’s life since her childhood in Te Teko.

“I’ve had netball in my blood since I was 13 and fell in love with the game. I just wanted to play and be on TV. It sounds clichéd, but that was my dream. It’s been a long journey with plenty of challenges and celebrations.

“My mum sent me to Auckland when I was 17 to go where the opportunities were. That’s where I got my break trialling for the Auckland team, which led to other opportunities, and things just took off.”

Alongside her Magic coaching role, Araroa serves on the Aotearoa Māori Netball executive committee and is a life member nominee. She remains at the helm for 2026 and is excited about the season ahead.

As part of the Eastern Bay camp, the Magic also unveiled their new team uniform at a ceremony held yesterday at Kohi Point.

The design was created by artist Julie Paama-Pengelly after team leaders Erena Mikaere and Georgie Edgecombe gathered player input and presented those ideas for consideration. Following discussions, Paama-Pengelly’s initial concept resonated strongly, capturing the team’s ideals and aspirations.

The uniform honours both the Magic’s legacy and its future, bringing together the pillars of heart, power, and Magic. Heart represents unity, belonging, and aspiration; Power reflects performance on court; and Magic acknowledges the legacy of the mana wahine who have worn the dress before.

“The design draws on the Poutama pattern found in the wharenui, which symbolises warmth and inclusivity,” said Paama-Pengelly. “It also alludes to a cloak connecting the team to the land and its people bringing our values together in a meaningful way.”

Long-time Magic player Mikaere explained a hidden layer of the design.

“The dress honours mana Wahine, but also one woman in particular, Sheryl Dawson. When we asked who the heart of Magic is and what a strong woman looks like, Sheryl stood out. She represents everything Magic is about,” said Mikaere.

Dawson, a former New Zealand netball administrator, coach, and president of the International Netball Federation, was surprised by the tribute, which sparked emotional responses from both the team and those in attendance.

Her influence on the Magic has been instrumental in shaping the team’s direction and success over the years.

As the new-look Magic step into pre-season wearing an inspiring new uniform, the focus is clear: regardless of results, the team is determined to finish the 2026 season stronger than when it began.