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2026 Melbourne Cup sweepstake kit'I am so sorry': Netball NZ CEO apologises as leaked correspondence adds uncertainty for players
Sport Nation • November 2nd, 2026 9:30 am
Netball NZ CEO Jennah Wootten (r) and New Zealand Netball Players' Association GM Pippa Moore | Photo: Photosport
Netball New Zealand says the way news of the Board’s decision to end negotiations over a proposed privatisation of the elite domestic competition became public has been “deeply regrettable”.
Chief executive Jennah Wootten said confidential correspondence about the decision was leaked to media on Friday, before the organisation had a chance to speak directly with the players, coaches and staff most affected.
Those people are now facing uncertainty about their futures, Netball NZ said.
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
Wootten also clarified that the comments Netball NZ provided to media on Friday were made in response to enquiries, rather than as part of a planned public announcement.
“Our intention was always to speak with players before any public announcement, and to do so with as much clarity as possible about the pathway forward," the Netball NZ CEO said in a statement provided to media on Monday.
"This leak has not had Players’ interests or wellbeing in mind, and I am so sorry that players have instead had to learn of this decision through the media rather than direct from NNZ. This was not how we intended such important information to be communicated. The distress and uncertainty it has created is deeply regrettable.
"Our intention was to brief players about any decision ahead of anyone else, including sharing details of what comes next.
"There is an advanced plan under development for an elite domestic netball competition in 2027. We are meeting with Zones and Teams today to further progress this work and will share substantive information once the plan is sufficiently developed.
"We know how difficult this uncertainty is, particularly for players whose careers and livelihoods are affected. We care deeply about these players and their futures, as well as those of the talented support staff who work in elite netball across New Zealand.
"Any and all decisions NNZ makes is with the best interests of our people and our sport at its absolute core. Our unwavering focus is on providing clarity for all concerned, as swiftly as possible, and from there working towards an exciting and sustainable future for elite domestic netball.”
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