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42 <strong>Magazine</strong> | Community<br />
Coach calls on netball community<br />
Tactix and FAST5 Ferns head coach Marianne Delaney-Hoshek returned to Christchurch<br />
permanently in 2<strong>01</strong>5 and she’s rapt to see the city back in form. We spoke to her about everything<br />
Ōtautahi ahead of the FAST5 Netball World Series tournament, which hits the city November 11–12.<br />
Why does Canterbury’s netball community make the<br />
best supporters?<br />
I’m big on positive psychology as a coach and after the<br />
testing times Ōtautahi’s been through, sport has proven<br />
critical for the community’s well-being. Something<br />
optimistic like regular sport to think about is the greatest<br />
positive distraction. Sport is an amazing connector and<br />
has a huge positive influence on our youth. Netball on the<br />
weekend, trainings through the week, get the endorphins<br />
going, catching up and playing together is therapeutic and<br />
now we see exactly how resilient Canterbury is for it.<br />
The South Island’s premier indoor community sport<br />
facility opens shortly. How will it help lift netball locally?<br />
Christchurch’s netballers are the ultimate stoics, they’ve<br />
been incredible playing on Hagley in the rain, hail, or shine,<br />
against those gusty Nor’westers or on frosty mornings –<br />
but we can take the netball to another level inside with<br />
the new centre opening this summer. It brings everyone<br />
together under the same roof and the vibe will be electric.<br />
It won’t just be a sports facility, it’ll be a community hub, a<br />
place for people to meet and eat, with strong emphasis on<br />
family and whānau. I can’t wait to see it in action.<br />
What do you love about FAST5?<br />
FAST5 has a real fun-factor to it. The whole crowd gets<br />
dressed up in loads of bright and hilarious costumes, it<br />
makes for a party atmosphere and an awesome weekend<br />
out. The game’s electric and matches can turn on a dime,<br />
one team can be well ahead but with the shorter quarters,<br />
power plays and super shots it can all turn very quickly.<br />
Any advice on what visitors should check out while<br />
they’re in Christchurch?<br />
If you enjoy keeping active on holiday, you’ll find we’re<br />
spoiled for walking tracks in Ōtautahi. From Hagley Park<br />
full of daffodils and lined with cherry blossoms to the<br />
sweeping views of the city from the Rāpaki Track, there’s<br />
stunning scenery at every turn.<br />
My fave is the drive to Taylors Mistake and the Godley<br />
Head walk. On a beautiful day you’ll catch views out to the<br />
Kaikōura Peninsula. Suitable for almost all difficulties and a<br />
great way to stretch the legs and see a different side of the<br />
city in spring. Plus, if you’re feeling brave enough, cool off<br />
with a brisk dip in breakers!<br />
Daytrippers can take their pick from tons of great<br />
destinations on our doorstep. If you’ve got the family<br />
in tow, beat a track to our favourite alpine destination<br />
Hanmer Springs for the country’s greatest waterpark<br />
and adrenaline activities, nestled in the snow-covered<br />
Southern Alps.<br />
Or get some balance back with a relaxing and romantic<br />
getaway to our serene, seaside town on the Banks<br />
Peninsula. With an eye-popping scenic drive, guided nature<br />
tours, fine dining and an amazing gin distillery, Akaroa is a<br />
destination unto itself.
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