It’s hard to keep something hush-hush for three months in a small town, but Motueka Netball Centre proved it could rise to the challenge — much like the steadfast figure they honoured with a surprise celebration.
This no‑airs-and‑graces woman, always one for the court and never the sidelines, probably needs no introduction — but for a news item, her name is required.
Ronnie Wilkins’ invitation was to an event at the Motueka Library on Sunday to honour its patron, Ruby Aberhart, who first encountered a 10‑year‑old Ronnie’s love for the game in 1960.
But the formalities were turned over when Ronnie learned the occasion put her at centre court.
She was “absolutely overwhelmed” to be celebrated by her netball whānau for her 66 years of service to Motueka Netball Centre as a player, administrator, coach, official, and board member.
“I don't know really that I deserved everything that they said, but it is very nice to be honoured in this way,” the 76‑year‑old says.
“My passion for the game, the camaraderie, and the association I have with all of those that I've worked with through these years [has kept me going].”
Her plaudits include leading Riwaka Old Girls — which she also represented as a player — to multiple Motueka Netball Grade 1 competitions, helping to establish netball courts at the Motueka Recreation Centre, and nurturing more girls in goal shooting, attacking, and defending than ever before.
Motueka Netball Centre chair Ann Martin has known Ronnie for 24 years, and says Sunday’s celebration of her dedication, instigated by Ruby, was long overdue.
“She’s a very humble person, contributing quietly but very strongly — and at 66 years, not many people serve for that long,” she says.
“She’s quite analytical with her coaching. She always has a manager, and they keep good statistics. She’s a very encouraging coach with high expectations.”
Ruby Aberhart says in all the years she’s watched Ronnie coach, “she’s always been about the players”, and particularly novices.
“She’s a bit worried about the fact that the same level of skills and everything are not being taught at a lower level now, so she’s trying hard to keep that going,” she says.
Ronnie is currently the centre’s historian, maintaining a cohesive collection of minute books, dresses, and archives — and she’s nowhere near blowing the whistle on her illuminating service.
