Remembering Ana Bishop (Pīhopa)

Auē taukiri e! Haere ki te awhi o tōu tupuna, Aunty Ana. Haere, haere, haere atu rā. Kua oti i a koe ngā mahi nui mō te New Zealand Men's and Mixed Netball Association. He pou tokomanawa koe nō tō tātou whānau, he kaiārahi, he kaitautoko, he tauira rangatira. E kore tō manaakitanga, tō whakapau kaha, me tō aroha mō te hākinakina e warewaretia. Moe mai rā i te rangimārie.

It is with deep sadness that the New Zealand Men's and Mixed Netball Association acknowledges the passing of our treasured Life Member, Aunty Ana Bishop (Pīhopa). 

A true stalwart and trailblazer of men's and mixed netball in Aotearoa, Ana dedicated much of her life to growing and strengthening our sport. As a founding member of Te Rohe o Manukau Men's and Mixed Netball Association, she helped lay the foundations for generations of players, officials and administrators who continue to benefit from her vision and determination.

Ana was a fierce advocate for the transgender community and a passionate champion of the sisterhood within our sport. She created spaces where people felt seen, accepted and celebrated for who they were. Her unwavering commitment to inclusion, equality and whanaungatanga has left an enduring legacy that will continue to shape our netball whānau for years to come.

She was unapologetically herself—a sharp shooter both on and off the court. Ana never mixed her words, always spoke her truth, and had the courage to stand firmly by her beliefs. Her strength, humour, authenticity and fierce loyalty earned the respect and love of so many throughout the netball community.

While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate a remarkable life lived with purpose, passion and pride. Aunty Ana's legacy will forever be woven into the fabric of men's and mixed netball in Aotearoa.

Rest now, Aunty Ana. Thank you for blazing the trail so that others could follow. You will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and never forgotten.

Ka maumahara tonu mātou ki a koe. Moe mai rā, e te rangatira. 

NZMMNA