“That work is being done alongside discussions with the New Zealand Netball Players Association and the zones. It is ongoing, and no decisions have been made.
“Our shared focus is on the best possible outcome for the game and a sustainable, successful future for netball in Aotearoa.”
There is no verdict yet on the future of a domestic competition for New Zealand. Photo / Photosport
Players Association boss Pippa Moore was not part of the meeting, but said it was in regular communication with NNZ via meetings, phone calls and email.
“I can’t go into too much detail, but things are looking more positive, and we’re working closely with Netball New Zealand and the zones to find a solution for netball in New Zealand.”
The continued uncertainty has led to a raft of players signing overseas contracts. About 20 Kiwi or New Zealand-based players are now expected to compete abroad next year, with 18 already confirmed.
Silver Ferns vice-captain Kate Heffernan is the latest to lock in her future, re-signing with the Adelaide Thunderbirds, the reigning Super Netball champions.
New Zealand goal shoot Grace Nweke has inked a three-year deal with the new Sydney Sirens and fellow attacker Amelia Walmsley has joined Carys Stythe and Mila Reuelu-Buchanan at the Melbourne Vixens.
Moore was asked whether more athletes have departed than they expected.
“We didn’t really know what to expect with the number of players going overseas. We knew that players would do what’s in their best interest and we encouraged them to make sure that’s what they did. Yes, it is a fair few number of players going overseas, but we didn’t really have an idea of what to expect there.”
New Zealand Netball Players Association boss Pippa Moore is optimistic about progress in confirming a domestic competition for next year. Photo / Photosport
Ferns midcourter Kimiora Poi has joined Kelly Jackson and Te Paea Selby-Rickit at the Queensland Firebirds. Georgia Heffernan and Karin Burger are heading to the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Maddy Gordon and former New Zealand skipper Ameliaranne Ekenasio are joining the West Coast Fever.
Kiwi players are also flocking to Britain’s Netball Super League. Southern Steel shooter Aliyah Dunn and Northern Mystics defender Charlotte Manley have signed with the Leeds Rhinos for next year. Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic shooter Saviour Tui and Mainland Tactix midcourter Holly Mather have signed with the Welsh Dragons. Meanwhile, Steel defender Jess Milne will join former Silver Fern Tiana Metuarau, who has re-signed at the Birmingham Panthers.
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 rugby and netball for Gold Sport.