Former Silver Ferns coach Yvonne Willering has criticised Netball New Zealand's handling of Dame Noeline Taurua's reinstatement, saying the timing is inappropriate and that the decision was driven by mounting pressure.
Dame Noeline was officially reinstated as Silver Ferns head coach on Saturday, effective immediately.
However, she will not coach the team during the remainder of the Constellation Cup or the upcoming Northern Tour, with interim coaches remaining in place to "minimise disruption", according to Netball NZ.
Speaking to 1News, Willering said the decision appeared to have been driven by mounting public and Government pressure rather than a clear strategic plan.
"The Ferns aren’t performing well, and there comes a time when enough’s enough," she said.
"I think Dame Noeline will be making compromises, and I expect some personnel changes."
The veteran coach will return to her role next year, ending a bruising saga that has divided the sport. (Source: 1News)
Netball NZ said it had spent the past two months working with Dame Noeline to reshape the Silver Ferns programme and environment, with a renewed focus on wellbeing and high-performance culture.
The organisation confirmed enhancements, including strengthening the player voice, would be implemented with input from High Performance Sport New Zealand and other elite codes.
While Taurua’s absence from the Constellation Cup was understandable, Willering questioned why she wouldn't be part of the Northern Tour to play England and Scotland in November.
"Even if the interim coaches go, I think she needs to go too—if only to check out facilities ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Scotland."
Netball NZ acknowledged Dame Noeline's suspension was a difficult decision and apologised for the impact on players, staff, and their whānau. The organisation said nothing was found during the review process that called Dame Noeline's integrity into question, and expressed full confidence in her leadership.
Despite the apology, Willering said she believed the sport's reputation had been damaged and that restoring trust would require more than just on-court success.
"As soon as it became public knowledge, it damaged the sport. It's going to take time to bring that back, and it's not just about the Silver Ferns winning, I think that there's more to it."
Willering called for a broader review of Netball NZ's governance.
"There are more people involved in this than just Dame Noeline Taurua. The focus is always on her, but we need to ask: why did this happen, and how do we change it?"
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