1864 days ago

Monday Sport Blast From The Past: Neroli Knight

Reporter Community News

Known as "Bart" Neroli Knight was a pioneer of women's rugby.
These days she is a primary school teacher and coaches juniors at the Waihi Athletic Rugby club.
In August, 1990 she set a record that will probably never be broken, when she became Black Fern no 28 at aged just 15 against the Netherlands at the RugbyFest in Christchurch.
Neroli attended the Rugby World Cup in Cardiff in 1991, appearing the play-off for third against France. She next played for New Zealand in 1999, playing a test against against Canada in Palmerston North. She played her last test in 2001 but continued playing club rugby with success and for Wellington at rep level.
Clubs she was associated with include Stokes Valley, Petone and Hutt Old Boys Marist. It was not only her youthful international debut that makes Neroli unique.
She began playing in a boys team in Blenheim in 1982 when she was eight years old. She continued playing in boys teams and did so again at Hutt Valley High School.
In 2009, she married Waihi church pastor Benhur Matautia.
And how did she get that nickname? She made her international debut in 1990, the same year that Bart Simpson first appeared and with her spiky hair, she had a passing resemblance to the famous cartoon character.

More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.3% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.3% Complete
  • 20.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    20.2% Complete
  • 69.4% Nah - not for me
    69.4% Complete
667 votes
7 hours ago

Morning Aches Are Optional - Let’s Start the Year Sleeping Better

Beds4U - Masterton

Hey neighbours,

Waking up with sore shoulders and stiff mornings? Here’s the plot twist - it might actually be your mattress (and pillow) letting you down.

It’s the perfect time to upgrade. New Year, New Bed! Our Boxing Day Sale is still on, so why not treat yourself to a mattress that actually supports you and helps you wake up refreshed? Side sleeper? Back sleeper? Tossing and turning? We’ve got tips and solutions for every kind of snoozer.

Don’t settle for mornings that hurt, your bed should work with you, not against you. Curious about how your mattress could be affecting your shoulders? Check out our blog: beds4u.co.nz...

Find your nearest Beds4U store here: beds4u.co.nz/store-locator
Browse all Boxing Day deals: beds4u.co.nz/boxing-day

Here’s to starting 2026 waking up refreshed, because mornings should feel amazing!

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J
8 hours ago

Garage Sale this Saturday - Tools, Beds, Fridge & more

Jon from Masterton District

Having a big clear out this Saturday to get rid of some things we aren’t using anymore. Everything is priced to sell and I’m open to reasonable offers on the bigger stuff.

When: Saturday, 3rd Jan 2026
Time: Starts at 8am - please no early birds!
Where: Okato Place, Just look for the signs

Appliances: Fridge and a washing machine (both work fine, just don’t need them).

Furniture: A single bed and a double bed. Also have some china cabinets. A big ild school desk and a small one

Tools: A good pile of old tools—lots of stuff for someone who likes to tinker.

Kitchenware: Plenty of plates, cups, and glassware.

Everything is first come, first served. Please bring a truck or a friend to help if you’re interested in the beds or the fridge!