946 days ago

Young Manakau cricketer to join White Ferns for pro-training

Sapeer Mayron Reporter from Manukau Courier

Kia ora neighbours,

A 12-year-old Manakau local will be training alongside the White Ferns this year after being named one of ANZ Next XI.

The team is an exclusive pick of 11 young cricket players who will get to train alongside the White Ferns at a junior training academy and attend master classes in cricket.

Niamh Falanitule, a Howick Pakuranga Cricket Club player, said she couldn’t stop smiling when she got the news, and a brand new set of training uniform, bat, helmet and pads to play with.

Falanitule said while she is too young to play for her school’s hardball team, she looks up to the players on the team and can’t wait to join.

“I played against one of the girls and she was really good - so fast and tall. She’s another Pacific Islander (like me) - which isn’t common in cricket,” she said. More Pasifika girls should play cricket, Falanitule believes.

“Give it a go! There are so many different skills, you might not be the best bowler but you can bat or wicket keep or be a great fielder, with cricket, you get a lot of different skills to try. It’s all about sportsmanship, if you have a bad turn with the bat you know your teammates can pull through.”

ANZ New Zealand CEO Antonia Watson said she believes in providing role models for young women.

“We’re proud to be able to offer these passionate young sportswomen this opportunity to meet and train with their heroes. I’m a firm believer that if you can see it, you can be it.”

We’re proud to be putting our full support behind the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup. It’s a fantastic opportunity to showcase our athletes to the world and provide important opportunities to grow the next generation of cricketers.”

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Riddle time: Because lawn mowing can wait!

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

George, Helen, and Steve are drinking coffee. Bert, Karen, and Dave are drinking soft drinks.

Following this pattern, is Elizabeth drinking coffee or a soft drink?

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14 hours ago

Poll: Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

There's nothing worse than strolling around the streets in your neighbourhood and seeing dumped rubbish.

Have you noticed this in your area? What could we do to combat this around the country?

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Is dumping an issue in your neighbourhood?
  • 41.7% Yes, I've seen some illegal dumping
    41.7% Complete
  • 57.5% No, our neighbourhood is pretty good
    57.5% Complete
  • 0.8% Other - I'll share below
    0.8% Complete
398 votes
3 days ago

Be Loved this Spring! Reduced fee dog adoptions at SPCA start today

The Team from SPCA Auckland - Centres & Op Shops

From 5-20 October only, SPCA dog and puppy adoption fees are 25% off. Plus, every dog adopter gets a free Simparica Trio flea, tick & worm treatment, and discount voucher.

We have more than 300 adoption-ready dogs and puppies nationwide, waiting for their happy forever after.

Visit www.spca.nz... to start your journey together.