Veteran bowler Lea Tahuhu has returned to the White Ferns contract list for the 2023/24 season, after starring for New Zealand last year - without a contract.
She joins Northern Districts wicketkeeper Bernandine Bezuidenhout and Canterbury batter Kate Anderson as the season's new inclusions.
Bezuidenhout returns to the contract list for the first time since 2020, after a two-year absence from cricket, as she recovered from RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport).
Anderson, 27, is contracted for the first time after a prolific season with the bat for Canterbury in all formats, topping the Super Smash scoring charts with a recordbreaking 536 runs and also striking an unbeaten 141 against Central Hinds in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield one-day competition.
Her performances saw her record a clean sweep of domestic awards - the Super Smash Player of the Year, the Ruth Martin Cup for domestic batting and Women's Domestic Player of the Year.
White Ferns coach Ben Sawyer believes the contract list for the upcoming season is just reward for strong performances in the past year.
"This is a really exciting time for all our contracted players, especially for those returning to the list and receiving a contract for the first time," he said. "We're delighted to be able to reward Kate Anderson with her first contract, after her really impressive performances in domestic cricket last summer.
"Kate has been dominant in both formats, but especially in the T20 game, having broken Suzie Bates' Super Smash runscoring record, which shows the power and ability she possesses.
"Lea has been an important figure in our group over the last 12 months and has taken her game to a new level, while also bringing strong leadership and helping with the development of our less experienced White Ferns.
"Bernie has been on a real journey over the last two years, and her inclusion is testament to her work ethic and commitment to her game.
"She showed at the World Cup what she can offer with both the bat and the gloves, so we're looking forward to building on that skillset and mindset over the coming season."
New Zealand will depart for their tour of Sri Lanka on Thursday.
White Ferns central contract offers 2023/24: Kate Anderson, Suzie Bates, Bernadine Bezuidenhout, Eden Carson, Sophie Devine, Izzy Gaze, Maddy Green, Brooke Halliday, Hayley Jensen, Fran Jonas, Melie Kerr, Jess Kerr, Rosemary Mair, Molly Penfold, Georgia Plimmer, Hannah Rowe, Lea Tahuhu.
