Newcomers Amelia Walmsley, Kate Burley and Paris Lokotui have been added to the Silver Ferns squad, as the programme retools after a disappointing World Cup campaign.
Arriving at Cape Town as defending world champions, the NZ women lost kingpin shooter Grace Nweke to injury early and were never able to compete against their main rivals, drawing with South Africa, barely reaching the semi-finals on a countback, and subsequently losing to England and Jamaica to return home without a medal for the first time.
Coach Dame Noeline Taurua must now rally her player for series against beaten World Cup finalists England and champions Australia over the next two months, as the programme rebuilds towards the next tournament in four years.
Defender Sulu Fitzpatrick has retired, while shooter Te Paea Selby-Rickit, and midcourts Gina Crampton and Sam Winders are stepping away from netball for a while, leaving vacancies within the ranks.
Midcourt Shannon Saunders will also return to the development squad from maternity leave.
"We have a few experienced players who are unavailable for selection for the upcoming year, while we welcome and support Shannon back into the Silver Ferns development squad as a new mum," said Dame Noeline.
"Amelia and Kate have earned their spots in the Silver Ferns squad through their consistency on the ANZ Premiership court this year.
"Paris was identified as a future Silver Fern prior to her ACL injury. Her ability to get back out on court for Tactix after that particular injury shows testament to her character and work ethic.
"It's exciting to know most of these current squad members have the potential to be around for a few Netball World Cup cycles. These squads are demonstrating the new generation of players coming through and the depth we have been building over numerous years.
"This is our opportunity to bring them together to work towards a common goal."
Shooters: Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Tiana Metuarau, Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Maia Wilson
Midcourters: Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Whitney Souness, Peta Toeava
Defenders: Karin Burger, Kate Burley, Kelly Jury, Phoenix Karaka, Paris Lokotui, Jane Watson
