Harbour Breeze are pleased to announce the signing of Noni Martin (nee Wharemate) for the 2019 Women’s Basketball Championship (WBC) season.

Noni was a member of the successful Breeze team of the early 2000’s before taking time away from the game to pursue her banking career and also raise three young children. 

One of the most athletic guards ever to wear the national singlet Noni played for the Tall Ferns at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and was also a member of the New Zealand team that won a silver medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

She also had a successful collegiate career at the University of Texas El Paso and will be a welcome addition to the Breeze squad.

Noni and Breeze Head Coach Jody Cameron played together on the New Zealand national team on many occasions and Jody has no doubt that her former teammate has numerous qualities that will be beneficial to the team. 

“I’m delighted to have someone of Noni’s experience join the group this season”, said Breeze Head Coach Jody Cameron.

"Noni brings a huge amount of enthusiasm, knowledge and know-how and I can’t think of a better person to mentor and assist the talented group of young players that we have at the Breeze this season. 

“In addition to playing some minutes off the bench I know I will be able to use Noni as a sounding board, as we develop our playing style and culture through pre-season and beyond.”

For her part Noni is delighted to be back in Harbour colours and linking up with a good friend.

“For me it's just really nice to be home and now that I've finished having my family, playing basketball is the most enjoyable way I can think of to try and get back in shape. 

“Harbour will always hold a place in my heart because after college it's where I grew and was so well coached and enjoyed playing with good friends. 

“Jody is a pool of basketball knowledge so of course I am happy to get the opportunity to play for her. I'm also just looking forward to sitting back and watching all these young amazing players remind me of my youth. To see how talented they all are at such a young age these days is so awesome,” added Noni.

The Breeze will begin their WBC campaign at the opening Tournament in Christchurch, May 10-12 taking on Waikato Wizards on the opening day.

On the same day the Harbour second team, Harbour Zephyr, will meet Capital Swish from Wellington.

The Breeze and Zephyr will play home games during the regular season at AUT Sports Centre:

Sunday May 26 Zephyr  v Rotorua Geysers, tip-off Noon

Sunday May 26 Breeze  v Taranaki Thunder, tip-off 2.30pm

Friday June 14 Breezev Auckland Dream, tip-off 7.00pm

Saturday June 22 Zephyrv Power Chill Waikato Country Canons, tip-off 6.30pm

Sunday June 23 Breezev Waikato Wizards, tip-off 4.00pm 

The season concludes withFinals Weekend 4-6 July at AUT Sports Centre. 

2019 WBC Participating Teams:

Division One:

•          Alloyfold Canterbury Wildcats
•          AM I FIT Otago Gold Rush
•          Auckland Dream
•          Harbour Breeze
•          Taranaki Thunder
•          Waikato Wizards

Division Two:

•          Capital Swish
•          Harbour Zephyr
•          North Canterbury
•          Northland Phoenix
•          Power Chill Waikato Country Cannons
•          Rotorua Lady Geysers
•          South Canterbury Stealers
•          Wellington