Young Guns Get Pulse Call-Up

Budding young talent Erana Ngarimu and Madi Thomas will go from having a taster to full immersion after gaining their first elite level contracts with Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse for the 2026 ANZ Premiership netball season.

The pair highlight the Zone’s objectives of growing and developing players from within their own borders where Wellington midcourter Ngarimu and in-circle Manawatu defender Thomas have excelled for Central Manawa in the National Netball League (NNL) in recent years.

Thomas, 20, was a training partner with the Pulse this year, and Ngarimu, 21, (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu ki Te Wairoa) a Pulse apprentice partner, both travelling and playing with the team during the pre-season. Ngarimu got to make her Pulse debut at the back-end of the season.

Getting the good news call from coach Anna Andrews-Tasola while immersed in a lab class at Victoria University, Ngarimu was left slightly shocked before excitedly ringing her parents.

``It still feels surreal but I’m so excited,’’ she said. ``I know that lots of hard work, persistence and learning will be needed but it’s something I’m really looking forward to. Being part of the Pulse team for 2026 is such a privilege and I am so grateful for this opportunity.

``Making my Pulse debut was such a proud moment for me and my whānau. Now I need to step up to the next level by bringing high energy and an open mindset to every training and game.

``I’m lucky to be surrounded by such a knowledgeable team, I know this will be a big period of growth and development for me. Being in this environment is the best way to grow my game, and I can’t wait to get started and give everything 100 percent.

``This is such a valuable opportunity, and I want to make the most of it by pushing myself, staying coachable and contributing to the team wherever I can.’’

Able to switch between wing defence and centre, Ngarimu adds to a long line of talent to emerge from St Mary’s College, in Wellington, which over the years has proved a productive netball nursery and where she was head girl in 2022.

Ngarimu is currently studying a Bachelor of Science at Victoria University, majoring in Marine Biology and Environmental Science.

Thomas was first involved with Manawa as a 15-year-old before a back injury put her career on hold. Returning in 2023, the rangy defender has continued to build on her game and skillset.

Strong form in recent years had her in the frame for selection in the NZ U21 team to contest this month’s World Youth Cup before she broke both arms while playing for Manawa late in the piece, and subsequently throwing a spanner in the works.

``I was absolutely stoked to hear I had been chosen for the Pulse and beyond grateful to be given the chance to represent my home region,’’ she said.

``As a little girl, Mum and Dad would take me along to watch the Pulse play, and I’d sit there dreaming that one day it would be me out on court.

``I want to make the most of every single opportunity - whether that’s out on court, in training or just being in the Pulse environment. I really want to keep developing my game, specially building consistency at an elite level.

``I want to keep pushing my fitness and court skills, while learning how to adapt quickly in high-pressure situations. It’s important to me that I contribute positively to the team environment too, whether I’m on court or supporting from the bench.’’

To have players come through their pathways and reach higher honours is the most satisfying of outcomes for the Zone.

``It is really pleasing to see Madi and Erana put in the performances and hard work that has enabled their selection into the Pulse team,’’ Netball Central Director of High Performance Waimarama Taumaunu said.

``This is just the start of more hard work but they have shown plenty of promise and we look forward to their continued development and progress.’’

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