She's no stranger to netball competition in Christchurch and this season it's been fantastic to have Julianna Nao'upu back in the green dress for Kereru A.

She has had quite a career at the top level. Her netball CV in New Zealand includes three years at the Southern Steel (2008-2010), one year at Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic (2011), three years at Mainland Tactix (2013-2015) and more recently with the Robinhood Northern Stars (2020).

CNC: How was your first game back in Christchurch?
JN: My first game back for Kereru this season was against St Margaret’s College. It was a shock to the system to get out on court but it was definitely such a good feeling to be back!

CNC: Where have you been since you last played in Christchurch?
JN: Last year we were set to play in the ANZ Premiership for the Robinhood Northern Stars but was postponed due to the pandemic around the World. We found out that it was later in June/July that the netball would continue pending how well NZ worked on keeping our country COVID free. My incredible partner and I found out prior to the seasons’ original start date that we were pregnant. We made the decision to put netball on hold and to come home for the remainder of my season and beginning of the ANZ Premiership 2020. 

CNC: Can you tell us a little bit more about your netball career?
JN: I have been in netball since Kiwi Netball on a Saturday for Northcote Primary School (8 years old) to ANZ Premiership for the Robinhood Northern Stars (30 years old). 

I played Canterbury reps from Canterbury Primary Schools teams coached by Wendy Lynch and David Fyffe (2001-2002) to The Canterbury Flames coached by Marg Foster (2007). In between these times, it’s been a mix of age group reps and NPC A - when they had NPC.

Thank you Julianna, it's great to have you back in Christchurch and good luck for the rest of the season!

Article added: Sunday 20 June 2021