Dame Noeline Taurua has extended her tenure as head coach of the Silver Ferns through until the end of January's international calendar.
The World Cup winner's current deal expires at the end of this month's Constellation Cup series.
The short-term extension is intended to allow Taurua more time to make a call on her long-term future and ensure her focus remains on the on-court challenges, parking any potential commitment until the season is completed.
"The extension of my contract into the new year allows me the time to have those discussions with Netball New Zealand about the processes, and to connect with whanau to decide on what lies ahead going forward," said Taurua.
"I am honoured to be able to coach the Silver Ferns through to the end of what has been an incredibly busy season.
"For now, I don’t have to take my focus away from international duties."
Recent struggles - including a worst-ever World Cup finish in South Africa earlier and a shock defeat to an England 'B' team - have seen the spotlight on Taurua intensify.
But Sunday's announcement suggests the ball is very much in her court regarding whether she continues in the role.
Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie says it's also crucial to provide some clarity for the players.
“It was important that our players had that certainty heading into the rest of the season which, following this month’s Constellation Cup against Australia, includes a series that the Silver Ferns will compete in January,” she said.
"Noeline is a coach who we have the utmost respect for, and it was also important to us that we gave her the proper time to consider her next step and begin the process of a coaching appointment for the new netball cycle with the next Silver Ferns international season not due to start until September 2024."
Last month, Taurua told Newshub she was "unsure" whether she wanted to remain as Ferns head coach through the next World Cup cycle.
The Silver Ferns are preparing for this month’s Constellation Cup against Australia, which includes two Tests in Australia and two in New Zealand, on the back of a Taini Jamison Trophy win over England.
