Incumbent Dame Noeline Taurua has been re-appointed to coach the Silver Ferns for another two years, after emerging from a "comprehensive" recruitment process that threw the job open to other candidates.
Taurua guided the NZ women to the 2019 World Cup crown, but was also at the helm for their worst-ever performance, when they finished fourth in South Africa last year.
Her future with the team has been in doubt over the past 12 months and her contract was initially only extended to January, when the Ferns failed to make the final of the four-team Nations Cup, struggling to beat newcomers Uganda for third.
"I was excited to go through the interview process," said Dame Noeline. "The process itself challenged me to formulate a plan that was new, refreshing and different from previous years.
"At the same time it conveyed the message that I have utter belief in the athletes and leaders within our programme, and a knowingness that a solid foundation has been set.
“I have competed for the job, I have reset the dial. I am rejuvenated and can’t wait to build upon the current foundation towards an era of Silver Ferns excellence."
Curiously, the re-appointment does not extend as far as the next World Cup in 2027 in Australia, which means Netball NZ will need to go through the process again for that campaign.
"Dame Noeline has shown that she is the right person for the Silver Ferns job, after what was a robust interview process,” said chief executive Jennie Wyllie.
"We want to thank all of those who were involved, and were pleased with the calibre and quality of candidates for the head coach role. It was an opportunity to assess what the future plans looked like for the Silver Ferns and the interview panel believe that Dame Noeline remains the right person to lead our national team.
"Her coaching record stands out - she has a genuine passion for our players, along with the ability and desire to both evolve as a coach, and add something significant to the Silver Ferns legacy."
The Silver Ferns are next in action for the Taini Jamison Trophy against England in September.
