Netball NZ Calls for Respect as Dame Noeline Taurua’s Future Hangs in Balance

Netball New Zealand (NNZ) chief executive Jennie Wyllie has urged fans and stakeholders to remain respectful amid ongoing negotiations regarding the future of the Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua. The call for restraint follows a significant setback in the discussions, which has left Taurua sidelined for the remainder of the year, a situation that many within the netball community find difficult to comprehend.

The standoff between Taurua and NNZ continues following a recent two-day meeting that failed to yield a resolution on the coach’s status. In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, NNZ indicated that despite their best efforts and Taurua’s willingness to return, an agreement concerning the Silver Ferns’ “high performance programme and environment” has yet to be reached.

Wyllie expressed disappointment at the lack of progress and emphasized the need for respect among all parties involved. “There is no one, whether that be athletes, Dame Noeline, Netball New Zealand, or our netball public that deserves any vitriol,” she stated. “Everyone is a human at the end of the day.”

As the Silver Ferns prepare for a series against Australia starting on October 17, 2023, Wyllie highlighted the urgency of finding a coach. She noted that while they do not wish for the process to drag on, they are concurrently managing player preparations for the upcoming Constellation Cup.

In the interim, Tracey Fear and Wai Taumaunu, both legends of the Silver Ferns, will continue to provide support during the upcoming tours. However, uncertainty looms over Taurua’s future with the team, as Wyllie confirmed that NNZ is committed to working in good faith to resolve the situation.

The current crisis traces back to a training camp in January, where concerns were raised by a group of players regarding a “psychologically unsafe” environment. Following the Silver Ferns’ fourth-place finish at the 2023 World Cup, these issues came to light, prompting some players to approach the players’ association. While Taurua was re-appointed after this contentious period, several Silver Ferns have since chosen not to make themselves available for selection, raising alarms for NNZ about the team’s depth.

While Wyllie refrained from confirming whether any players have refused to play under Taurua, she indicated that the investigation into the players’ concerns was led by former New Zealand Cricket high-performance boss Bryan Stronach. His report reportedly identified “significant issues” within the team’s culture, leading to further complications in the coaching situation.

The public response to the ongoing impasse has been intense, with fans expressing outrage on social media, particularly directed at the players who raised concerns about the coaching environment. In light of this, Wyllie reiterated the importance of maintaining a respectful dialogue.

“We are not in a place where we would disclose any internal communications, but I can assure you that wasn’t the case,” Wyllie said in response to suggestions that players were discouraged from speaking out after Grace Nweke‘s public plea for Taurua’s return following the team’s recent victory in the Taini Jamison series.

Legal expert and Wellington employment lawyer Andrew Scott-Howman emphasized the complexities surrounding the situation, noting that confidentiality is critical to protect all parties involved. He remarked, “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.”

As the Silver Ferns navigate this challenging period, Wyllie remains committed to addressing player concerns and fostering an environment conducive to high performance. “Our responsibility is to Dame Noeline and the players, and we are focused on resolving this to ensure that we can reconcile some of those concerns moving forward,” she said.

The situation remains fluid, with the clock ticking as the Silver Ferns prepare for their next challenges on the court. The outcome of this standoff will not only impact the future of Taurua but also the morale and unity of the team as they aim for success in upcoming competitions.