The ANZ Premiership Netball Competition gets underway this weekend and to recognise the 100-year anniversary of MG Motor, defending champion MG Mystics team members joined with 100 intermediate students to create a unique one-off centennial event.

The players and students from local West Auckland school, Glen Eden Intermediate, met at netball courts adjacent to the MG Mystics home stadium and formed a MG100 logo on the playing surface.

For many of the students, it was the first time they had the chance to meet some of their netball heroes.

“I’ve watched some games on TV, but to actually meet the players is so amazing – I can’t believe how tall Grace is in real life,” said year seven student, Hannah Tesimale.

“They’re really nice and friendly and asked about my own netball team, they even shared some tips.  It’s been a really cool experience.”

As part of the event there were prize draws for MG Mystics netballs, tickets to a MG Mystics home game and one extra special prize of taking the match ball onto court and presenting it to the MG Mystics captain at the start of play.

That honour was won by Maniah-Leigh Dickison, a student in year eight, who is planning to take her family to The Trusts Arena to watch the game and be part of the action.

“I haven’t been to a netball game before, I am really looking forward to watching the teams and seeing how quickly they play.

“I’m also really excited to be taking the ball out for the centre pass, it will be something incredibly special, hopefully I won’t be too nervous in front of all the people in the stadium.”

MG Motor New Zealand Country Manager, Arek Zywot, said the event was a great way to engage with students from the local community as well as recognise the defending champions as their season gets underway.

“Netball is a real grass roots sport with widespread appeal, just as MG is a growing and increasingly popular brand with a large following throughout the country.

“This is a fun way to recognise the centennial of the marque and also an opportunity for the kids to meet netball stars, plus the chance to win some great prizes.

“We wish the MG Mystics success for the 2024 season, it would be fantastic for them to claim another title during our centenary year.”

As part of the partnership, key staff and senior players in the MG Mystics enjoy the use of a fleet of MG HS Plug-In Hybrid SUVs.

“We’ve really been enjoying the change to the new PHEV models as they offer the best of both worlds, in terms of being able to operate as an electric vehicle but also the option of petrol power if required,” said MG Mystics CEO, Phil Vyver.

“It’s possible to get around the city doing the daily commute on electric only, then switch to petrol for longer, out of town running about.  We love the functionality and versatility of the new SUVs and are noticing significantly reduced running costs compared with conventional petrol vehicles.

“We’d like to thank MG for partnering with us and congratulate them on achieving such a momentous milestone.”

The new season for the MG Mystics gets underway this Saturday.