One of the true jewels in New Zealand Netball’s crown and a Life Member of Netball New Zealand (NNZ), Monica Leggat, has passed away at the age of 86.

Some of you may have caught up with “Mons” (as she was fondly known) Sunday week ago in Hamilton at the NNZ AGM and ANZ Premiership Super Sunday games – it was great to see her at the game/s, enjoying the sport she loved so much. 

Those who knew her – and there were ‘legions’ – describe her as Netball’s ‘treasure’.  No task was deemed too big or too small.

Originally from Nelson, a province she represented on court, Monica moved to the Waikato where she immersed herself in education, as a trained teacher, and in Netball.

Monica has fulfilled many roles in New Zealand Netball over more than 70 years involvement in our sport including; President of NNZ, managing Waikato representative sides, New Zealand age group teams and the Silver Ferns, to name a few.

She helped guide the national team to World Games titles in 1985 and 1988 and the World Netball Championship title in 1987.

Monica played an instrumental role in creating Hamilton's Minogue Park netball venue and was its spokeswoman for many years.

In 1999 she was awarded a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to Netball and the community, in 2003 she received the Halberg Trust Service to Sport award and in 2011 she was awarded the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Lifetime Achievement award.

Her daughter Dee (Denise), carries the family ‘mantle’, currently managing the Northern Stars franchise team in the ANZ Premiership. (Dee also having been team manager for both the Tactix and Mystics in the ANZ Championship, the NZ under-21 team, and the Silver Ferns).

Monica was an absolute legend of our sport, friend to all and a fabulous person, who will be sorely missed.

The Good Oil Tactix, will be wearing black arm bands in tonight’s ANZ Premiership game against the Northern Stars, in recognition and respect.

Netball Mainland sends its heartfelt sympathy to Monica’s husband, Ian, and their children Peter, Anne and Denise and their extended family.

Rest in peace Mons.