Former Silver Fern Gail Parata has resigned as a national selector in the wake of Dame Noeline Taurua being stood down, saying "the coaches are indispensable".
Parata announced on social media this morning that she was resigning in support of Dame Noeline, who was stood down ahead of last month's Taini Jamison Trophy series with South Africa – a shock decision made by Netball NZ which, despite "considerable and genuine effort" from both parties, hasn't been resolved.
Sitting down with 1News this afternoon to expand on her decision, Parata said she wanted to do something to support Dame Noeline as well as assistant coach Debbie Fuller, who is also part of the stand down.
"Where's the support for the coaches? That's really what my post was about," she said.
"The coaches are indispensable, especially a world class coach like Dame Noeline. Dame Noeline's reputation speaks for itself."
Last month, Netball NZ said Dame Noeline's stand down followed ongoing discussions with her and Silver Ferns management concerning proposed changes to the national team's high performance programme and environment.
Netball NZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie confirmed to 1News the decision spawned from concerns raised by players in June, but Parata - a former Silver Fern who has also coached overseas - added this afternoon not everyone was aware a review was launched.
"I've been an athlete before, I know what it's like to not like your coaches and athletes talk all the time about their coaches but where it's escalated to now is really, really disappointing.
"In my opinion, I think that Netball New Zealand and New Zealand Players' Association have really overstepped their role when they organised the review."
As a result, Dame Noeline missed her side's sweep of South Africa to retain the Taini Jamison Trophy with Yvette McCausland-Durie standing in as head coach, assisted by Liana Leota.
Lengthy meetings then took place between Dame Noeline and Netball NZ officials looking for a resolution in time for the Constellation Cup which starts this weekend, but no agreement was reached.
In a statement to 1News this afternoon, Netball NZ said it remained "in an employment process" but was working "in good faith" and would speak "in time – once this matter is resolved".
In her only public statement so far, Dame Noeline said; "I care deeply about the Silver Ferns and want to be back coaching the team," adding she had "different" views to those made by Netball NZ on negotiations.
Parata added this afternoon Dame Noeline remains "as good as she can be" given the circumstances.
"She has so much respect for all the players and she's just waiting like all of us to see what will happen."
In the meantime, McCausland-Durie has stayed on for the series against Australia with experienced defender Karin Burger taking over the captaincy.
Dame Noeline's influence is still present, though.
“Leading by example is the key,” Burger told 1News ahead of the Cup. “With our group, communication and transparency is very key… making sure people are heard and things are actioned as well.
“There were a lot of leadership models put in place so it doesn’t just get put on one player. I know Noels had created an environment… that allowed a lot of leadership from everybody. Everyone has to play a role.”
'Maybe they just want her out'
When asked about whether she'd seen any issues with culture or the team environment since joining as a selector in 2022, Parata firmly quashed those rumours.
"I've seen her be direct and say, 'this is how we need to do it, this is the reason why' and all of that stuff but never a bully.
"Maybe they just want her out."
She added she believes someone will "have to leave" as a result of the review, regardless of what's discovered.
"I'm not talking about athletes but someone has to fall on the sword, I suppose. Hopefully that's not Noeline."
Parata has known Dame Noeline since the pair played together in Wellington in the 1990s and has previously been part of her coaching staff as well.
Those fond memories were also part of her decision today.
"We were all focused on winning that next World Cup, and I wanted to help Noeline and the other selectors and Netball New Zealand to do that.
"So here I am disappointed, but at the end of the day, it's a sport, it's not my whole life. It's something that I really love doing but friendships are more important."
Tune in to 1News at 6pm tonight for more of Gail Parata's interview.
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