Parents feature in New Zealand

The Woy Woy parents of Australian and New Zealand netballer Megan Dehn have featured in a local New Zealand newspaper.

Ken and Elaine Anderson of Woy Woy travelled to New Zealand earlier this month for a holiday and to catch up with their 35-year-old daughter who is currently captain of the Southern Steel kiwi netball squad.

Megan Dehn plays in the ANZ Championship that sees her travel between Australia and New Zealand week-to-week.

Her parents told The Southern Times newspaper that it was wonderful to catch up with their daughter and fit in one of her local games but were yet to witness a Steel win at the home stadium in three years of trying.

"We haven't got a good record down here," Mr Anderson said.

"That's our third loss at Stadium Southland."

However, the Peninsula couple did manage to see their daughter in a winning effort when they caught a Steel's win over Tactix in Christchurch on May 1.

Megan Dehn played 20 tests for Australia between 2000 and 2006 and Mrs Anderson said it was always a proud moment seeing her daughter represent her country.

"It was great seeing her run out on court for Australia," Ms Anderson said.

"It was a bit nerve-racking.

"Australia and New Zealand games are always close.

"There's only a few points in it."

Ms Anderson said one of her first memories of Megan on the netball court was when she was seven.

"I remember she played a game at school and came home and said she really enjoyed it and would like to play," Ms Anderson said.

"She's been hooked ever since."

Dehn said her parents had been extremely supportive throughout her career and was thankful for the numerous times they had taken her from her Woy Woy home to Sydney for games and practices when she was growing up.

"They've been massive," Ms Dehn said.

"I wouldn't be where I am today without them."

Website, 12 May 2010 Brendon Egan, The Southern Times