New Partnership: Just Hockey MVP Loyalty Programme

We’re excited to announce our new partnership with Just Hockey, bringing added benefits especially for our players .

By signing up to the Just Hockey MVP loyalty programme, you’ll earn rewards on hockey gear purchases while supporting NUHC. What this means for you

• Earn 1 MVP point for every $1 spent at Just Hockey (some exclusions apply, e.g., balls)

• Receive a $10 credit for every 150 points earned, redeemable on future purchases

• Access to exclusive specials and promotions for MVP members

• Purchases through the programme also generate a club rebate to help NUHC

Just make sure to tell Kev and the team at Just Hocky you play for Northern United, it's an easy way to save on gear throughout the season and to give back to the club at the same time.

Preseason Training with Inside Hockey

The Northern United committee was exicted to bring Brandon Roach (Roachy), down to Wellington for a preseason training day for our P1 players.

Working with Brandon through the team at Inside Hoceky was a great opportunity to kick off the season properly. The sessions were focused on sharpening skills, raising standard, and getting players thinking early about how we want to train and play this year.

Players were challenged across both skill-based and game-play scenarios, with good intensity and plenty of competition throughout. We wish to thank Roachy for being so generous with his time off the turf, sticking around to answer questions and chat through different aspects of the game, which our players really appreaciated.

A big thank you to Brandon and team at Inside Hockey for making the trip down. We’re looking forward to continuing to work together over the rest of season.

You can find out more about Inside Hoceky at insidehockey.co.nz

Dust Off Day

Our Dust Off Day is back for 2026! We’re once again kicking off the season with a relaxed hit-out to get everyone moving and reconnecting after the summer break.

Join us on Sunday 8 February, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm at NHS 1. This session is all about dusting off the skills , no pressure , meet some new faces, and catch up with familiar ones ahead of the season.

Whether you’re a returning Northern United player, thinking about coming back after a few years away, or new to the club this year, you’re more than welcome.

We’ll round out Waitangi Weekend with a BBQ and a bar tab after the session, a great way to relax, chat, and ease into the 2026 season.

When: Sunday 8 February
Time: 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Where: National Hockey Stadium, NHS 1

Bring your stick, a light-coloured shirt, and a drink bottle. We’re looking forward to getting everyone back on the turf and starting the season the way we’ve come to enjoy over the past few years.

See you there!

2026 Northern United Trials

Senior Trials for the 2026 Hockey Season Are Here!

Northern United Hockey Club is excited to announce our Senior Trials for the upcoming 2026 season! Whether you’re aiming to secure a spot in one of our competitive open-grade teams or looking to get involved with NUHC for the first time, we want to see you out on the turf.

Trial Dates & Venue All trials will be held at the National Hockey Stadium, Wellington, a great chance to show your skills, meet coaches, and connect with teammates ahead of the season.

Women’s Trials

• Saturday 14 February | 10:00am – 12:00pm | NHS 2

• Sunday 22 February | 2:00pm – 4:00pm | NHS 1

Men’s Trials

• Saturday 14 February | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | NHS 2

• Sunday 22 February | 10:00am – 12:00pm | NHS 1

What to Bring Make sure you arrive early to check in and be ready to trial:

• Your full hockey gear

• A light coloured shirt

• Water bottle

• Sunblock

Pre-registration is encouraged, you can register your interest in advance via the online form to help coaches plan ahead.

Need Help? If you have questions about the trials please reach out to our committee. For the Premier 1 squads, reach out to:

• Women’s P1 Coach — David McNaughtan: 027 680 6447

• Men’s P1 Manger — Sam French: 027 444 9293

We can’t wait to see all our returning players, and welcome new ones out on the turf.

Let’s make 2026 a great season!

Post AGM Update

Thank you to everyone who attended our 2025 Annual General Meeting. It was great to see so many members, players, coaches, managers, and supporters come together to reflect on the season and help set the direction for 2026.

Acquisition of YW Petone

Agreed in Principle We’re pleased to share that the membership voted in principle to support the acquisition of YW Petone Hockey Club. Both clubs will now begin working together over the summer period to progress the next steps to ensure a smooth and positive transition for both clubs. We look forward to building a stronger, more connected hockey community together.

Thank You to Our Outgoing Committee Members

A huge thank you to the Executive and Committee members who are stepping down this year. Their service and commitment have made a significant impact on our club:

• Ash Drake– outgoing Men’s Club Captain

• Ian Norman– outgoing Co-Treasurer

• Surbjit Singh– outgoing Secretary

• Kirsty Cullen– outgoing Committee Member and former Women’s Club Captain & Secretary We deeply appreciate your time, energy, and contributions to NUHC.

Welcome to the 2026 Executive Committee

We’re excited to welcome the 2026 Executive Committee, elected at the AGM. Thank you to everyone who put their hand up your leadership and willingness to serve are vital to the success of our club.

• Nicole Halverson - Chair

• Lee Patton - Secretary

• Ryan Smith - Treasurer

• Hannah McNaughtan - Women’s Club Captain

• Jason Neilson - Men’s Club Captain 

• Damion Barnes - Junior Convenor

Committee Members – Chantelle Badenhorst, Alex Rosie, Emily Agate and Roxy Steel

Thank you again to all members who attended the AGM and contributed to the discussions. Your voice and support help drive our club forward. We’re looking forward to a strong and positive 2026 season.

2025 Season Honours Roll

We’re incredibly proud of the individual honours achieved by our players this season:

• Vantage Black Sticks: Julia Gluyas

• New Zealand A Team: Julia Gluyas

• Future Black Sticks Under18’s: Zac Fowler and Adam Baker

• New Zealand Indoor Hockey Under-18 men’s side for the Nkosi Cup: Jacob Eade

• New Zealand Indoor Hockey Under-18 women’s side for the Nkosi Cup: Yasmin Rodda

• New Zealand Masters 2025 Trans-Tasman Challenge: Aaron Clulow (50’s), Jason Neilson (50’) and Peter Thomas (65’)

• Falcons Premier Hockey League: Julia Gluyas and Jenny Whitworth (Manager)

• Wellington Masters 2025: Emma Fitzsimons (45’s),Sarah Neilson (45’s),Chantelle Badenhorst (45’s), Kris Strang (45’s), Willie Shelker (35’s), Jason Nielson (35’s) Coach, Aaron Clulow (50’s), Jason Nielson (50’s), Damion Barnes (50’s) and Peter Thomas (65’s)

• Wellington Under 13s: Matthew Fisher, Sophie Burke and Kristy Chapman-Taylor (coach)

• Wellington Under 15s: Deegan Russell

• Wellington Under 16s: Brayden Chapman-Taylor

• Wellington Under 18s: Zac Fowler, Adam Baker, Fredrich Schmidt, Henry O’Brien, Simon Korb, Jacob Eade, Leah Murphy (co-coach), Yasmin Rodda and Eliza Ho-Ng

• Wellington NHC Tier 1: Victoria O’Keefe

• Manawatu NHC Tier 1: Tayla Hansen and Jenny Whitworth (Manager)

• Tauranga NHC Tier 2: Jody McCaul and Brea Miller

• NZ Defence Force NHC Tier 3: Regan Williams

A huge thank you and congratulations to all our players for their outstanding achievements this season. You continue to inspire us and represent Northern United with pride!

Zac Fowler and Adam Baker representing Northern United at the Future Black Sticks Under 18 Camp — an incredible achievement for two of our rising stars. 👏🖤💛

🏑 Northern United Hockey Club – Annual General Meeting 2025

The Northern United Hockey Club warmly invites all members to attend our Annual General Meeting (AGM) for 2025. This important meeting is a chance to reflect on the past year, celebrate our achievements, and plan for the exciting season ahead.

📅 Date: Monday, 17 November
🕕 Time: 6:00pm
📍 Venue: NHS Pavilion

All members, players, coaches, managers, and supporters are encouraged to attend. Your involvement helps shape the direction of our Club for 2026 and beyond.

🏆 What’s on the Agenda

This year’s AGM is your opportunity to be part of the decision-making for Northern United’s 2026 season.
We’ll be:

• Receive the Annual Report and Balance Sheet for the previous financial year of the Club

• Electing our Executive Committee for 2026

• Discussing key updates, including the proposed acquisition of YW Petone Hockey Club

• Considering Life Membership nominations

🏑 Executive Nominations

We’re calling for nominations for the following Executive Committee positions:

• Chairperson

• Secretary

• Treasurer

• Junior Club Convenor

• Women’s Club Captain

• Men’s Club Captain

If you’re passionate about the club and want to contribute to its success, we’d love to hear from you! Serving on the Executive is a great way to have a voice in the club’s direction and give back to our hockey community.

💛 Life Membership Nominations

A Life Member is an individual honoured for meritorious service to Northern United Hockey Club, someone who has made an exceptional, sustained, and high-quality contribution to the Club’s success and community.

Nominations for Life Membership must:

• Be submitted in writing to the Executive by Sunday, 2 November

• Include a brief written explanation outlining how the nominee meets the Life Membership criteria

Life Membership is one of the Club’s highest honours, recognising those whose dedication and service have made a lasting impact.

🙌 Have Your Say

We encourage all members to attend and take part in shaping Northern United’s next chapter. Your voice and participation make a real difference to the future of our Club.

Ngā mihi nui,
Northern United Hockey Club Committee

Thank You for a Fantastic 2025 Junior Hockey Season! 🏑

A huge thank you to all our junior players, parents, and supporters for choosing Northern United Hockey Club for the 2025 winter season!

Our young players worked hard, supported their teammates, and showed incredible commitment week after week. We know how much effort goes on behind the scenes, from all the rides to practices and games, to the early starts and sideline cheers, and we’re so grateful for everything you do to make our club what it is.

🏆 2025 Junior Prizegiving — Congratulations to Our Winners!

Team Awards

• Team Ma (Year 3/4)
  MVP: Sebastian Benison | MIP: Julian MacDonald | Sportsmanship: Frankie Delaney

• Team Koura (Year 5/6)
  MVP: Nishaad Parekh | MIP: Bella Delaney | Sportsmanship: Daniel Moodie

• Team Pango (Year 5/6)
  MVP: John Hao | MIP: Vivienne Phoon | Sportsmanship: Noah Yeoman

• Team Kowhai (Year 7/8)
  MVP: Indie Kshatri | MIP: Rose Sturrock | Sportsmanship: Hannah Andrews

• Team Parauri (Year 7/8)
  MVP: Finn Southerton | MIP: Max Cody | Sportsmanship: Nico Acheson

Club Awards

🏅 Junior Attendance & Effort at Training — Conrad Steel
🏅 Most Promising Girl (Year 8) — Indie Kshatri
🏅 Most Promising Boy (Year 8) — Nolan Nunns

Congratulations to all our award winners and to every player who gave their all this season. You make Northern United proud! 💛🖤

☀️ Keep Your Skills Sharp This Summer

The hockey season might be over, but you can still have fun and stay ready for 2026!

Quick off-season ideas:

• 10–15 minutes, 3× per week: ball carries, push passes against a wall, and forehand/backhand traps (even on grass works fine).

• Movement basics: skipping, hops, balance holds, short sprint. Keep it playful and light!

You can also check out more tips and drills at akhockey.org.nz.

📅 What’s Next

We’ll be in touch early next year with 2026 registration details and start-of-season information. Keep an eye on your inbox and our social media for updates.

Thanks again for being part of our Northern United whānau. We can’t wait to see you back on the turf in 2026! 💛🏑🖤

Juniors Prize Giving 2025

The 2025 junior season has been full of energy, learning, and plenty of great hockey moments and now it’s time to celebrate.

We’re excited to invite all junior players, families, and coaches to our Junior Prize Giving:

Date: Sunday 12 October 2025

Time: 11:00am – 12:30pm

Location: National Hockey Stadium, Field 2

Programme:

• 11:00am – Welcome & fun hockey games

• 11:30am – Team awards by grade + quick team photos

• 12:00pm – Team connect and kai

Please bring:

• Washed uniforms and gear for return

• Stick, mouthguard, and shin pads for hockey games

Team and club photos will be taken on the day. If you would prefer your child not to be photographed, please reply to the club email before the day or let us know on arrival.

If you can’t make it, we’ll share award results afterwards and arrange certificate pick-up with your coach. We’re proud of the effort and commitment shown by all of our juniors this season on and off the turf. We can’t wait to celebrate the 2025 Northern United junior hockey season with you!

NUHC Shines at the Ford National Hockey Championship

Northern United Hockey Club is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our members who represented their associations at this year’s Ford National Hockey Championship.

These players and leaders showcased their skill, commitment, and passion for the game on the national stage, and we couldn’t be prouder of their efforts.

• Tayla Hansen – Hockey Manawatu

• Jody McCaul – Tauranga Hockey

• Brea Miller – Tauranga Hockey

• Victoria O’Keeffe – Wellington Hockey

• Regan Williams – New Zealand Defensive Force

• Jenny Whitworth – Hockey Manawatu Manager

Each of these individuals carried the NUHC spirit with them, demonstrating the values of teamwork, resilience, and excellence that define our club. It’s also especially exciting to see life member Jenny Whitworth continuing to make such a strong contribution to the game.

On behalf of the entire NUHC whānau, congratulations! We’re thrilled to see our community represented with pride on the national stage and can’t wait to see what the future holds for you all.

If you would like to watch the matches live please click here.