The Black Sticks women have named their squad for the upcoming 2022 Commonwealth Games at Birmingham later this month.
The defending gold medallists have been grouped with Australia, South Africa, Kenya and Scotland.
New Zealand's squad includes four players who were part of their 2018 winning campaign, and interim head coach Darren Smith hopes to utilise that experience.
"This is an exciting time for our women's programme with quite a young team as we look to rebuild a little bit. However, the 18 we have selected are all incredibly talented and more than capable of going toe-to-toe with any side in the world," Smith said.
"There will be some real tests, but I have a lot of belief in our young group to give some cracking performances and stamp their mark at international level. This is where heroes are made and I'm sure all of New Zealand will be right behind them."
The announcement also marks the return of Aniwaka Haumaha (nee Roberts). Haumaha had not represented the Black Sticks for seven years until her call up to face Australia in a recent series.
Haumaha is relishing her first Commonwealth Games opportunity.
"This doesn't happen to everybody, especially after having two little kids," Haumaha said.
"I didn't finish the first part of my career as I wanted to, and the fire was still in my belly so I'm excited and grateful for the opportunity to compete in Birmingham."
New Zealand will take on Kenya in their first match on July 29th.
Madison Doar, Ella Hyatt Brown, Casey Crowley, Catherine Tinning, Tayla White, Kirsten Nation, Louisa Tuilotolava and Deanna Ritchie have been named as reserves.
Black Sticks women's squad: Olivia Merry, Megan Hull, Kaitlin Cotter, Anna Crowley, Stephanie Dickins, Katie Doar, Alia Jaques, Tyler Lench, Alex Lukin, Grace O'Hanlon, Hope Ralph, Brooke Roberts, Olivia Shannon, Rose Tynan, Frances Davies, Tarryn Davey, Ani Haumaha, Tessa Jopp
