Dixie Cockerton

Cockerton was also a cricketer, making two first-class appearances for Auckland, and gaining a New Zealand trial in 1953.

[1][2][3] The family moved to Galatea during the Great Depression when Cockerton's father drew a farm in a ballot.

She subsequently completed her secondary education by correspondence, before studying at Auckland Teachers' Training College.

[4][5] A tall player, Cockerton was a member of the Matamata team at the New Zealand national netball championships from 1945, competing in the second-grade tournament.

In her first match in charge, the New Zealand team achieved their first ever victory over Australia, winning 49–40 in Adelaide.

[14] Cockerton was retained as national coach for the 1963 World Netball Championships, where New Zealand recorded nine wins and one loss, 36–37 against Australia, to finish as runners-up in the tournament.

[14] Overall, Cockerton's record of coach of the New Zealand team was 10 wins from 13 international matches, with all three losses coming against Australia.

[14] Cockerton has been described as a popular and influential figure, tactically astute, and a coach ahead of her time.

[1][14] Lois Muir, who was a member of the New Zealand team in 1960 and 1963, has credited Cockerton as being hugely influential on both her playing and coaching careers.