Netball NZ Calls for Respect as Taurua Standoff Continues

Netball New Zealand (NNZ) chief executive Jennie Wyllie has urged fans to refrain from negative comments online as negotiations regarding the future of Dame Noeline Taurua, coach of the Silver Ferns, remain unresolved. This call for respect follows a tumultuous period that has seen the esteemed coach sidelined for the remainder of the year after her abrupt suspension just eleven days before the Taini Jamison series against South Africa.

The ongoing conflict between Taurua and NNZ has intensified, with a recent two-day meeting failing to yield any significant progress. In a statement released on Saturday, NNZ expressed disappointment over the lack of resolution regarding the Silver Ferns’ “high performance programme and environment.” The organization confirmed that various pathways had been explored to reintegrate Taurua but acknowledged the challenges in reaching a satisfactory outcome.

“Over the past few weeks, NNZ has pursued every pathway with Dame Noeline to bring her back into the Silver Ferns environment at this time,” Wyllie stated. “NNZ is disappointed that this has not been possible.”

The reasons behind Taurua’s suspension have not been disclosed, with NNZ citing legal and privacy constraints. This silence has sparked rampant speculation among fans and former players, who have directed their frustrations at both the players expressing concerns about the team’s environment and at NNZ for their handling of the situation.

“Everyone is a human at the end of the day,” Wyllie said. “What we need to do is be respectful of everyone in the process and maintain that at all times.”

With a key series against Australia set to commence on October 17, 2023, the urgency for a resolution has increased. Wyllie noted the importance of finalizing a coaching structure, as players are preparing for their upcoming camp for the Constellation Cup.

Silver Ferns legends Tracey Fear and Wai Taumaunu will provide interim support for the team during the next two tours. However, questions linger regarding Taurua’s future as head coach. Wyllie emphasized that efforts to reach a resolution had been ongoing, stating, “We have been working really hard collectively to reach a resolution and right up until the time that we’ve made this announcement.”

The situation has escalated since January, when two players approached the players’ association on behalf of a group of seven, alleging that the environment had become “psychologically unsafe.” This assertion has raised concerns about the team culture following a disappointing fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup.

While Taurua was reappointed as head coach after a contentious selection process, some Silver Ferns players have opted out of selection since the World Cup, compounding the national body’s challenges. Wyllie refrained from disclosing whether any players had formally refused to play under Taurua, citing confidentiality.

In July, NNZ commissioned former NZ Cricket high-performance director Bryan Stronach to investigate the players’ concerns and to suggest improvements to the team culture. Reports indicate that Stronach identified “significant issues” within the Silver Ferns environment. Taurua, along with assistants Deb Fuller and Briony Akle, reportedly expressed anger over the findings and are contesting the review process legally.

Complicating matters, it appears that only players who voiced concerns were interviewed, raising questions about fairness. While Stronach’s report was intended to foster dialogue, the title “Silver Ferns environment review” has led to confusion about the report’s nature.

The public reaction has been fierce, with current players facing backlash for their reluctance to publicly address their grievances. Wyllie emphasized the need for the players to be shielded from any negative treatment, stating that no one deserves to experience vitriol during such a challenging time.

Following the Silver Ferns’ victory over South Africa, star goal shoot Grace Nweke publicly advocated for Taurua’s reinstatement, highlighting the emotional stakes of the ongoing situation. Wyllie denied any claims that players were instructed not to speak out following Nweke’s plea, indicating it was addressed internally.

As Netball NZ navigates this complex situation, Wellington employment lawyer Andrew Scott-Howman, who specializes in workplace investigations, noted the challenges posed by confidentiality. He stressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the process while acknowledging public curiosity regarding the unfolding events.

“Our responsibility is to Dame Noeline and the players,” Wyllie said, reiterating NNZ’s commitment to resolving the issues at hand. “We are focused on working through those and resolving it to ensure that, as we move forward, we’re able to reconcile some of those concerns that we had for the environment.”

The coming weeks will be crucial for both the Silver Ferns and Netball NZ as they attempt to address these significant challenges while preparing for the competitive landscape ahead.