Netball New Zealand Announces Review Findings

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie has today released the findings of the independent review into the performance of the Silver Ferns, on the back of its disappointing loss at the Commonwealth Games.

Wyllie said the review found that a combination of factors contributed to the poor performance of the team, and there are a number of issues that Netball New Zealand must address. 

“Netball New Zealand is absolutely committed to addressing the key findings of the review, to ensure our Silver Ferns are in the best position to build a winning team for the future.

“Specifically, we will work to ensure that there is a strong and experienced coaching team in place, who will drive a culture of performance and accountability at the highest level. It is important that we grow a team of leaders, both on and off the court and are fully committed to developing a group that are able to do this.

“There are also a number of improvements that need to be made to strengthen campaign planning, oversight, and communication. Netball New Zealand has appointed former Silver Ferns Captain Bernice Mene to its Board to increase its Netball acumen in these areas,” she said.

The review was conducted by Auckland lawyer and experienced sports director Don Mackinnon, Team New Zealand chief operations officer, Kevin Shoebridge, and former Silver Fern Linda Vagana.

The review process included Silver Ferns coaches, management and athletes, NNZ management and board members, ANZ Premiership franchise coaches, New Zealand Netball Players’ Association, High Performance New Zealand and key influencers to Netball as determined by the panel.

Head of the review panel, Don Mackinnon, said he commended the sport and its leading individuals for their openness throughout what had been a thorough review process.

“We have been impressed with the participants and their desire to see Netball move in the right direction,” he said. 

“All of those involved have been open to the process and trusting that this is for the betterment of their sport.”

Jennie Wyllie said, “Netball New Zealand has a long and proud history of success at the highest level of national and international sport, and we have hugely talented players in our Silver Ferns team.  

“Moving forward, this review enables us to learn from our losses, and is an important step in building a strong team, that is once again at the top of the world in Netball. I would like to personally thank all those that took part in the review. As result of the findings of the review we look forward to implement important changes that will make as significant difference to the future success of Netball in New Zealand,” she said. 

Netball New Zealand will name a Silver Ferns squad on the 14th August ahead of the Netball Quad Series in September which will be played in New Zealand and Australia. 

CLICK HERE to view summary of review findings