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'Thankful that I'm still here': Dame Noeline's mindset behind Silver Ferns extension
Sport Nation • September 18th, 2026 7:06 am
Dame Noeline Taurua | Photo: Photosport
For Dame Noeline Taurua, the past year has been about staying focused, trusting the process and doing the job in front of her.
After returning to the Silver Ferns role, her attention was firmly fixed on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. There was no point looking too far ahead or becoming distracted by uncertainty surrounding her position.
But now after confirmation of re-signing until the end of 2027, she told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy: “I'm thankful that I'm still here and as I say, I don't take my position lightly.”
The coach acknowledged that the rough period had tested her, but she remained determined to let the work speak for itself.
Tanya Dearns on Netball New Zealand's treatment of Dame Noeline Taurua | Mornings
When asked about coaching beyond 2027, she said she hasn't thought about it at this stage.
“Usually after any pinnacle event, which is next year's Netball World Cup, then you look for the next cycle, so it's sort of normal practice (for the coaching role to be for tender).”
She said she is focused on what is immediately in front of her — beginning with the Constellation Cup against Australia next month.
“People who sort of saw what happened in the Commonwealth Games with Australia getting third, which never happens, they're going to be on fire.
“I just think I need to keep my head down, keep my knitting tight, focus on Constellation Cup, the Netball World Cup, and that's all I need to worry about at this stage.”
Netball NZ CEO Jennah Wootten | Photo: Photosport
Taurua also believes the arrival of a new Netball New Zealand chief executive has brought fresh energy and positivity to the environment.
“When we finished Commonwealth Games, we got a new CEO that came in and it's only been five weeks that she's actually been on the job, but man, she's done a whirlwind.”
Listen to the full interview below:
