Netball NZ’s Jennie Wyllie Calls for Respect Amid Taurua Standoff

Netball New Zealand’s chief executive, Jennie Wyllie, has urged fans to maintain respect as negotiations continue regarding the future of Dame Noeline Taurua, the beloved head coach of the Silver Ferns. This call for restraint comes after a challenging week marked by a standoff between Taurua and Netball NZ, leaving the coach sidelined for the remainder of the year. The decision to stand down Taurua, made just 11 days before the Taini Jamison series against South Africa, has sparked widespread concern among netball supporters.

Following a two-day meeting earlier this week, no resolution was reached regarding Taurua’s role within the Silver Ferns. Netball NZ released a statement acknowledging the efforts made but confirmed that discussions around the “high performance programme and environment” had not yet yielded results. Wyllie expressed disappointment that a return for Taurua could not be facilitated at this time.

The national body has refrained from commenting on the specific reasons for Taurua’s suspension, citing legal and privacy constraints. This silence has led to rampant speculation within the netball community, and many fans have directed their frustrations towards both the players and Netball NZ for the ongoing situation.

Wyllie emphasized the need for respect, stating, “There is no-one, whether that be athletes, whether that be Dame Noeline, Netball New Zealand, or our netball public that deserves any vitriol. Everyone is a human at the end of the day.” She urged fans to consider the human impact of the ongoing situation.

As the Silver Ferns prepare for a critical series against Australia starting on October 17, 2023, Wyllie indicated the urgency to appoint a new coach. “We don’t want this process to drag on,” she said, highlighting the need to support the players who will soon assemble for training. In the interim, former Silver Ferns players Tracey Fear and Wai Taumaunu will continue in high-performance support roles.

The situation has been complicated by allegations from players regarding a “psychologically unsafe” environment within the team. Following a training camp in January, a group of players raised concerns about the culture, indicating that some felt intimidated about voicing their issues directly with Taurua. This discontent appears to have been brewing since the Silver Ferns’ disappointing fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup.

In July, Bryan Stronach, a former high performance director in cricket, was commissioned to investigate the players’ concerns. The findings reportedly highlighted “significant issues” within the Silver Ferns environment. Taurua, along with her assistants, reacted strongly to the report’s conclusions and engaged legal counsel to challenge the review process.

The investigation was intended to foster dialogue about improving team dynamics; however, the report’s title, ‘Silver Ferns environment review,’ led to confusion about its intent. Wyllie acknowledged the intense scrutiny surrounding the situation, stating, “Our responsibility is to Dame Noeline and the players, and we are focused on working through those issues.”

Public backlash has been directed at current players, with criticism suggesting a reluctance to voice their grievances openly. Wyllie defended the players, noting the importance of maintaining their dignity during this difficult time.

The division within the team became apparent during the Taini Jamison series against South Africa, where star player Grace Nweke publicly advocated for Taurua’s reinstatement after a hard-fought victory. Wyllie denied any suggestion that players were instructed to refrain from discussing the matter publicly, asserting that internal discussions were necessary to maintain team unity.

Wellington employment lawyer Andrew Scott-Howman, who specializes in workplace investigations, commented on the complexities facing Netball NZ. He noted that the confidentiality of the process is crucial to ensure the integrity of the proceedings. “If it’s going to be a public football and people are going to have an opinion about you, you’re less likely to want to come forward,” he explained.

As the situation unfolds, Wyllie reiterated the commitment to resolving the concerns raised by players and restoring a positive environment within the Silver Ferns. The coming weeks will be critical as the national body works to navigate the challenges ahead while also preparing for upcoming competitions.