Interim CEO Jane Patterson is choosing not to speak to the media until there are changes to announce. Patterson intends to lead through her actions rather than words. While this is admirable in principle, it has meant the organisation has remained mostly silent. Presumably, a plan is in action to regain the trust of the netball community, but we as the public are none the wiser.
Jane Patterson is acting chief executive of Netball NZ until the end of the Commonwealth Games. Photo / Photosport
The empty chairs
Who will take over as CEO, board chair and head of high performance?
Many consider the resignations of chief executive Jennie Wyllie and Whineray to be necessary changes to a sport desperate for a freshen-up. The pair ultimately failed to secure a healthy trajectory for the sport, which, less than 10 years ago, was flourishing. NNZ staff even expressed concerns about the organisation’s workplace culture, calling for an overhaul of the leadership. Also resigning from the board alongside Whineray were Pavan Vyas, Stephen Cottrell and Aliesha Staples. Head of high performance Stephen Hotter resigned in December. No permanent replacements for any of these positions have been announced.
NNZ is looking externally to find a new board chair to revitalise the leadership, breaking with its tradition of appointing a new chair from within the existing board. A decision was expected fairly quickly, as the chair needs to be involved in appointing a new CEO. However, it’s been over a month since the resignations were announced, and there’s been no update. In fact, on March 18, NNZ posted an advertisement on Instagram asking for applicants for a new chair and directors.
Standing next to Dame Noeline
Who will replace Deb Fuller as Silver Ferns assistant coach?
Deb Fuller has been Taurua’s partner in crime since 2018, but last month took up a position with Malawi’s coaching staff. However, it was Fuller’s statement about why she left that was truly bizarre. She told the Herald she simply hadn’t heard what was happening with her role, claiming she genuinely didn’t know whether she would be offered work this year ahead of the Commonwealth Games. While Fuller has always been a contractor, it seems strange that no one at NNZ would give Fuller an indication of her place in such a crucial year, especially after Taurua emphasised she wanted to keep the same coaching group together when she was reinstated.
Fuller is adamant she was not pushed out after Bryan Stronach’s review into the Silver Ferns’ high-performance environment last year. NNZ supported Fuller’s move, with Patterson sending a letter to the Malawi Netball Association confirming there was no conflict of interest in Fuller signing with the Queens.
However, there was no statement from the Silver Ferns or NNZ regarding Fuller’s departure before being contacted by the Herald. Not even a social media post. Instead, the news broke via a Malawian website. Once contacted for comment, NNZ said, “Head of performance – Silver Ferns, Chelsea Lane, is playing a key role in helping to assemble the management team that will take the Silver Ferns programme forward and is currently working through the associated timing and process.”
Deb Fuller (right) has worked as Dame Noeline Taurua’s assistant coach since 2018. Photo / Getty Images
In the Ferns camp
Will Dame Noeline Taurua and the Silver Ferns be able to mend their relationship?
While Taurua was ultimately reinstated as head coach of the national team, there will undoubtedly be a hangover from the tumultuous events of last year. The 2019 World Cup-winning mentor has not been with the Ferns since she was stood down due to player complaints ahead of the Taini Jamison Series in September. She therefore hasn’t coached a test since October 2024. According to Stronach’s investigation, the players’ issues with Taurua included fear of speaking up, favouritism, mixed messages, and shifting standards.
Taurua obviously has some support in the dressing room, displayed by Grace Nweke’s passionate plea for her return after the final test against South Africa. Taurua said last year that she had received messages of support from players, and captain Karin Burger stated she has no issue with the coach. However, Nweke’s perspective wasn’t shared by all her teammates. With no face-to-face contact between Taurua and the wider team, it is hard to imagine that the issues have been resolved.
It is also worth pointing out that the newer players in the Silver Ferns – the likes of Amelia Walmsley, Martina Salmon and Catherine Hall, among others – have yet to work under Taurua and are not involved in the dispute, which was ultimately between Taurua and the 2024 team.
Silver Ferns goal shoot Grace Nweke called for Dame Noeline Taurua’s reinstatement after the final Taini Jamison match last year. Photo / Photosport
The domestic competition
Will the ANZ Premiership exist beyond this year?
The ANZ Premiership’s battle to acquire a place on television has been well publicised. However, with NNZ securing only one-year deals – this time with TVNZ – the question over 2027 must once again be asked.
The value of the broadcast deal with TVNZ is unconfirmed, but Wyllie told Newstalk ZB last year that NNZ will use cash reserves to make ends meet. Players Association boss Steph Bond confirmed to RNZ that players are taking a 20% pay cut this year. Athletes are often forced to work other jobs for extra money, and coaches have limited time with their teams. This is likely to hit the Mainland Tactix and Central Pulse the most, as their rosters have been all but overhauled from last season. Players face another nervy wait to see whether there is a professional future for domestic netball in New Zealand.
Mainland Tactix celebrate their first ANZ Premiership crown. Photo / Photosport
Out to launch
Why has there been no ANZ Premiership season launch?
Usually, the coaches, a couple of key players from each team, NNZ representatives and media would gather to start the tournament officially. It’s a chance for the sport to get in the spotlight and say to the public, “Hey! We’re back!” It’s also an opportunity for the media to ask officials about the bigger issues the sport faces.
However, this year, there has been no mention of a season launch, with teams left to organise their own individual events. It begs the question – why?
Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates on rugby and netball for Gold Sport.