Silvers Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua says ending New Zealand's 16-year Commonwealth Games netball gold medal drought is "something we don't take lightly", after her side completed an unbeaten campaign in Glasgow.
The Silver Ferns defeated Jamaica 56-48 in the final overnight, claiming New Zealand's first Commonwealth Games netball title since 2010.
"It's definitely sweet, very cool," Dame Noeline told Breakfast this morning.
"One, to be in contention for the pinnacle games, but also to win gold at the end. It's something that we don't take lightly.
"The last time was 16 years ago, so it's a long time in between dreams. I'm absolutely rapt."
The victory marked a remarkable turnaround for New Zealand netball following a tumultuous 12 months, which saw Dame Noeline controversially stood down as head coach amid a player-led employment investigation. She was later reinstated.
Rather than dwelling on the outside noise, Dame Noeline said the group had stayed focused on its own goals.
"This is the time when you've got to give credit to the team. I don't want to say all these clichés, but you know the team, the players, our support staff, the management — everybody wrapped around and did an awesome campaign plan," she said.
"When we came in on game one, the attention was outstanding and really focused on Commonwealth Games and binding the group.
The final match was a tight contest until the third quarter, where the Silver Ferns managed to break away from Jamaica, allowing the team to savour the closing stages of the match.
"To pull away from Jamaica, which were a formidable force in that last quarter, and really stamp out our domination there was awesome," Dame Noeline said.
"We could relax in the last five minutes and really enjoy the moment. Those times don't happen often."
Despite the celebrations, Dame Noeline acknowledged the uncertainty still surrounding the future of Netball NZ, following ongoing concerns over the domestic competition.
She hoped the Silver Ferns' success would provide a boost for the sport in New Zealand and help "find a plan for us moving forward".
Asked whether she would return as Silver Ferns coach beyond the Commonwealth Games, Dame Noeline did not provide an answer and said her focus had only been on the tournament.
"We go into a review process at the moment, which is our normal sort of routine. We'll see what happens after the end, but I've just really enjoyed my moment," she said.
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