Paula Thompson BOP Regional Councillor www.envbop.govt.nz

The Waikato–BOP Magic netball franchise has opened a new chapter in the story of women's sport in New Zealand.

All those associated with the recent victory should be celebrated – players, coach, team manager, support staff, franchise CEO, staff, and supporters. That 3000 supporters ventured across the ditch last weekend to support the team's quest is simply fantastic!

The Magic franchise is made up from the netball regions of the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty. There are thousands of players across both regions that are supported in their endeavours by great staff, officials and volunteers. It is a social enterprise that exists to promote participation and high performance opportunities for players, coaches, officials. Like most sport, it exists on limited resources, massive enthusiasm, innovation and goodwill.

The success of the franchise team is the result of a long journey and colourful story with many characters and chapters. The success has opened a new chapter for both women's sport in New Zealand and for the regions. In times when there is not a lot of good news it has given our regions a great morale boost and a feeling of connectedness.

Whilst most attention these days seems to being paid to the value-add of the private and public sectors, the Magic success is testament to the impacts on community wellbeing of the third sector – otherwise referred to as the social ,community and volunteer sector. The private and public sectors could learn much from enterprises driven from shared values, commitment and making do with not a lot.

Huge respect and thanks to all involved. Now – go the Chiefs!!