Dispute Deepens Between Dame Noeline Taurua and Netball NZ
The ongoing rift between Dame Noeline Taurua, the esteemed coach of the Silver Ferns, and Netball New Zealand (NNZ) has significantly escalated, moving towards a potential employment investigation or litigation. Following unsuccessful mediation attempts, NNZ confirmed that Taurua will be sidelined for the remainder of the 2025 season.
Background to the Standoff
The origins of the dispute trace back to January 2025, when a training camp in Sydney led to players raising concerns about the team's high-performance environment. These concerns, conveyed through the New Zealand Netball Players Association, reportedly included issues with Taurua's communication style, with some players describing the culture as 'psychologically unsafe'. In response, NNZ commissioned an independent review in July 2025, led by Bryan Stronach, which identified 'significant issues' within the Silver Ferns environment. However, Taurua and her assistant coaches, Debbie Fuller and Briony Akle, reportedly rejected the review's findings and questioned the process.
Failed Mediation and Sidelining
The situation intensified on September 10, 2025, when Netball NZ announced Taurua would be stood down as head coach for the Taini Jamison Series against South Africa, citing unresolved issues. Subsequent two-day mediation meetings between NNZ and Taurua in early October 2025 failed to resolve the deadlock. Consequently, on October 4, 2025, NNZ confirmed Taurua would not coach the Silver Ferns for the rest of the 2025 season, which includes the upcoming Constellation Cup and a northern tour. The dispute has now transitioned from a 'high performance conversation' to an 'employment conversation'.
Legal Implications and Interim Leadership
With mediation efforts exhausted, the dispute is increasingly seen as heading towards a legal resolution. Employment lawyer Andrew Scott-Howman suggested that options now likely include a formal employment investigation or escalation to the Employment Relations Authority, potentially involving a personal grievance from Taurua. Despite the ongoing issues, Taurua remains contracted as the Silver Ferns coach through at least 2026. In the interim, Yvette McCausland-Durie has been appointed as the interim coach for the upcoming series, supported by Liana Leota as assistant coach.
Reactions from Key Stakeholders
The saga has drawn varied reactions. Netball NZ CEO Jennie Wyllie urged the public to 'step back from their keyboards' and be respectful, stating that 'no one deserves vitriol'. Dame Noeline Taurua herself issued a statement, indicating a divergence of opinion by saying, 'My views are different' regarding NNZ's public statements. The situation has also impacted players, with some senior athletes, including captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, making themselves unavailable for selection. Conversely, former Silver Ferns captain Laura Langman defended Taurua, describing the decision to stand her down as 'one of the saddest in New Zealand netball history'. Star shooter Grace Nweke also publicly voiced support, stating, 'We want you back Noels'.
5 Comments
Loubianka
It's about the team's health and future, not one coach's ego. Time for a fresh start.
KittyKat
While player well-being is paramount and concerns should be addressed, sidelining a coach of Taurua's calibre without a clearer resolution seems premature and disruptive to the team's performance. Both sides have valid points but the execution is messy.
Noir Black
Why sideline her when she's still contracted? This is poor management and a betrayal.
Eugene Alta
No one is above accountability, not even a Dame. This needed to happen.
Habibi
It's concerning to hear about a 'psychologically unsafe' environment, which absolutely needs addressing, yet it's also a shame to see such a successful coach in this situation. This highlights the fine line between high performance demands and player comfort.