Taumaunu calls time on Silver Ferns top job

Taumaunu calls time on Silver Ferns top job

Media Release
Monday 7 September, 2015

Silver Ferns coach Waimarama Taumaunu MBE confirmed today that she will finish in her role as head coach after the conclusion of the New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup against Australia in October.

Having taken on the head coach role in 2011 after two terms as assistant coach (1997-1998 and 2008-2011), Taumaunu has decided the time is right to step away.

"I am looking forward to leading the team for the final four Tests of the year, but after taking some time over the past few weeks, I have decided not to apply for the role going forward,” Taumaunu said.

"I am, and will always remain passionate about the Silver Ferns, but I believe it is the right time for me to finish up.

"I have enjoyed every moment as head coach and would like to acknowledge the massive support and incredible team who I have worked with over the last four years."

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Hilary Poole paid tribute to Taumaunu saying she guided the team through a period of great change and growth over the past four years.

“Waimarama has left an indelible mark on our sport. She has instilled in the Silver Ferns a renewed sense of belief and fearlessness following their performances at Netball World Cup SYDNEY 2015,” Poole said.

“We are confident that she still has more to give and we are going to ensure that she remains involved in the game. As one of our sport’s great, she will not be lost to Netball in New Zealand; she is hugely respected by all at Netball New Zealand, and the Silver Ferns.

“It is important that Netball New Zealand now works through a very thorough appointment process for the Silver Ferns head coach role.”

Applications for the Silver Ferns head coach position close today at 5pm and Poole said they would hope to announce the appointment of the new Silver Ferns coach by mid-November.

The four-Test New World Netball Series for the Constellation Cup against the Australian Diamonds begins in Christchurch on October 20, with matches also played in Auckland (October 22), Melbourne (October 25) and Perth (October 30).

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