Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic contest the preliminary final against the Sting. The Southland-based franchise emerged victorious over the Magic by 48–46 in a close contest: this was the final NBC match played by the franchise. The Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic were one of five New Zealand franchises named for the new trans-Tasman netball competition – eventually named the ANZ Championship – to start in 2008. Martin Ellis was appointed as the new CEO for the Magic franchise. But several organisational problems also emerged prior to the start of the new season: a row erupted over the composition of the board early in the
2011 Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic season round-robin season in second place with a 10–3 win–loss record, which included wins in Australia against the Fever and Thunderbirds. Progressing to the finals stage, the Magic were defeated 50–39 by the Queensland Firebirds in the major semi-final. They hosted the Mystics in the preliminary final, but were defeated 42–43 in a closely fought match, ending their 2011 season in third place. 2011 Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic season The 2011 Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic season was the fourth year that the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic contested the ANZ Championship, and the thirteenth year of their competitive history.