Dame Noeline Taurua’s job as head coach of the Silver Ferns is up for grabs.
In a statement this afternoon, Netball New Zealand said the organisation and Dame Noeline had agreed to go to the open market for the role.
Netball New Zealand and Dame Noeline were quoted as saying the decision was made in the best interests of the Silver Ferns and “integrity” of the sport.
Dame Noeline, who recently took the Silver Ferns to third place in the Nations Cup in the United Kingdom, confirmed she will be re-applying for her job.
Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie said: “We believe for the integrity of our sport, it is essential to open up the position of Silver Ferns coach to applicants and this decision was taken after extensive deliberations.
“We will begin the recruitment process immediately inviting applications for the Silver Ferns coach position.
“This is the beginning of another four-year cycle, and it is imperative for our sport that we are transparent in our search for the best person to guide the Silver Ferns in coming years.”
Taurua, who is contracted with Netball NZ until the end of February, said: “It is a privilege to coach the Silver Ferns and, as I have always maintained and believe I am a guardian of the role. It’s not mine to own. I talk to players about accountability and taking ownership of doing your job.
“It is important to me, that my integrity is upheld, our sport does what’s right and we back the process to ensure the best candidate prevails.
“[The] Nations Cup demonstrated the potential of this Silver Ferns team. This opportunity presents to those coaches, who have a history of consistent success at the high performance level, and feel they have what it takes to move this team forward.
“Netball NZ is leading the way in regards to this process. These types of opportunities at the front end of the cycle don’t come around too often. Coaches need to back themselves, similar to what we expect from players. That competitive attitude must drive the Silver Ferns’ way for the future.”
Wyllie said an announcement on the coach is expected in early April, with the Ferns not back on court until the Taini Jamison Trophy series in September.
