The New Zealand Women’s Curling team (Team Smith) is hosting two ‘Ladies Nights’ for Central women to give the sport a go.

Experts will be on hand to teach slide, push and stick deliveries of stones. The session includes a free drink per person, nibbles, raffles and spot prizes. 

The New Zealand Women's Curling team for 2023-2024 season is packed with Central locals; the team is Jess Smith (Naseby), Bridget Becker (Patearoa), Holly Thompson (Ranfurly), Natalie Thurlow (Becks), and Courtney Smith (Naseby). 

Their coaching staff also hail from Central: head coach Sean Becker (Ranfurly) is Bridget’s brother and the assistant coach is Nelson Ede (Naseby). 

New Zealand Curling Association (NZCA) secretary Lauren Becker said her sister in law Bridget (who is also on the executive team of the NZCA) had an overall goal of encouraging more women into the sport at a social and competitive level.

Read more: Special recognition for Becker family.

Read more: Maniototo brother and sister top curling doubles qualifier

The Ladies Nights are fundraising to help with Team Smith’s travel costs to Kelowna, Canada for the Pan Continental Curling Championships in November. 

Ladies Night kicks off at 7pm on Friday September 1 at the Alexandra indoor curling rink (behind IceInline) and the second session is the following Friday September 8, 7pm at the Naseby indoor curling rink. 

The team from last season (including Ruby Kinney) scooped team of the year in the Central Otago Sports Awards in May, so team members will be looking to build on their experience and improve again in 2023 -2024. 

Numbers are limited; if you are interested contact Team Smith - NZ Women’s Curling Team 2023 on Facebook.