Netball New Zealand has decided to launch a recruitment process for the head coaching role of the Silver Ferns and current coach Dame Noeline Taurua has already said she will apply.
Netball NZ says the decision comes after consultation with Dame Noeline and together they collectively determined that opening the position of head coach to the market was the most appropriate step.
"We believe, for the integrity of our sport, it is essential to open up the position of Silver Ferns coach to applicants and this decision was taken after extensive deliberations," said NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie.
"We will begin the recruitment process immediately inviting applications for the Silver Ferns coach position.
"This is the beginning of another four-year cycle, and it is imperative for our sport that we are transparent in our search for the best person to guide the Silver Ferns in coming years."
NNZ says it will engage with board members, player representatives, leadership and independent experts during the selection process.
Taurua, who is contracted with NNZ until the end of February, says she will reapply for the role and strongly endorses NNZ's decision to open the position up to the market.
"It is a privilege to coach the Silver Ferns and as I have always maintained and believe, I am a guardian of the role," said Taurua. "It's not mine to own.
"I talk to players about accountability and taking ownership of doing your job," she said.
"It is important to me, that my integrity is upheld, our sport does what's right and we back the process to ensure the best candidate prevails.
"Nations Cup demonstrated the potential of this Silver Ferns team. This opportunity presents to those coaches, who have a history of consistent success at the high-performance level, and feel they have what it takes to move this team forward."
Taurua's future initially came under question after the Silver Ferns slumped to their worst Netball World Cup finish at the 2024 tournament in South Africa, finishing fourth.
Last month they finished third out of four teams in the Nations Cup, behind rivals Australia and England.
"Netball NZ is leading the way in regards to this process," Taurua continued.
"These types of opportunities at the front end of the cycle don't come around too often. Coaches need to back themselves, similar to what we expect from players. That competitive attitude must drive the Silver Ferns way for the future."
Wyllie says an announcement on who will coach the Silver Ferns is expected to be made in early April, with the Ferns not back on court until the Taini Jamison Trophy series in September.
