‘Tanz filled the room’: Sports tributes

Tania Dalton’s energetic personality led to her success both on and off the court, according to tributes to the former Silver Fern.

The Mairangi Bay 45-year-old died on March 1, after suffering a ruptured internal carotid artery aneurysm six days earlier.

Thousands of people attended Dalton’s funeral on Monday, March 6, at QBE Stadium in Albany, to pay tribute to the netballer, sports commentator, businesswoman and mother of three.

The service started at 1.26pm, the exact time her life support was turned off and a number which represents the birthdays of everyone in her family.

Those attending the funeral included some from the Silver Fern family: former coach Ruth Aitken, former player Bernice Mene and former manager Lady Sheryl Wells.

Other attendees included Sport and Recreation Minister Jonathan Coleman, broadcaster Bernadine Oliver-Kerby and fellow sports commentators Andrea McVeigh, Scotty Stevenson, Anna Rowberry and Lavinia Good.

Mene said Dalton, who played netball under her maiden name Nicholson, was deft at getting out and under the goal posts.

Her personality, which meant she had ‘‘millions’’ of friends, was an asset to the sport, Mene said.

‘‘Tanz filled the room when she entered it,’’ Mene said.

‘‘In netball, she was great off the court mentoring the young players. On court, she loved to outwit her opposition,’’ she said.

Mene noted Dalton, or ‘‘T’’ as she was affectionately known, played when she was five months’ pregnant and was one of the first top players to return to netball after having a baby.

Wells agreed Dalton’s irreverent personality was an advantage for the national team.

‘‘Her ability and love of all people made her a dream to coach,’’ Wells said.

‘‘She was the master of the ‘step-in shot’, ending up right under the post and her defenders had no answer.’’

Dalton’s career was chequered with injuries, but Wells said she made a ‘‘huge contribution’’ to the Silver Ferns team that won the 2003 Netball World Championships by advising less experienced players.

At the end of Dalton’s funeral, her hearse did a victory lap of the sports field at QBE Stadium, cheered on by whistles and claps from attendees.

ROSS LAND/GETTY IMAGES Former Silver Fern Tania Dalton was known for her step-in shot under the goal post.