Kea Kids News: Silver Ferns coach Chatham Islands kids
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RNZ News
9 hours ago
- RNZ News
Australian league poaches New Zealand netballer Whitney Souness
Whitney Souness Photo: Aaron Gillions / Former Silver Ferns midcourter Whitney Souness has become the eighth New Zealand netballer to join the Australian league, after signing with the Sydney-based Giants. Karin Burger on Monday became the fifth Silver Fern to be granted an exemption to play in the 2026 Suncorp Super Netball league, in the wake of Netball New Zealand loosening its eligibility rules. Kelly Jackson, Maddy Gordon and Kate Heffernan will also play across the Tasman, as well as Grace Nweke who is returning for her second season. Former Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson will also play in Australia next year, but as they didn't make themselves available for New Zealand selection, the pair did not need any exemption. Souness, who just missed out on the recent 2025/26 Silver Ferns squad, is in that same camp. Earlier on Tuesday, the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic announced that former Silver Fern captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio would be leaving the franchise. It remains to be seen what Ekenasio plans to do next, but a move to the Australian league could be on the cards. The Lightning still have one spot left to fill - a third goal shooter spot. Australian-born Ekenasio grew up in Queensland. Souness, 29, said she jumped at the opportunity to fulfil a long-held dream. "I want to keep playing for a long time but the age I am now for this type of opportunity, I wasn't sure how much longer I've got so, when it came along, I just had to do it," Souness said. "Obviously, playing in the SSN, you get to play against some of the best-of-the-best and it's a really great comp, so for me personally I just want to expand my skillset and grow my game with it. "And I feel like with a fresh perspective on my netball, a fresh environment and getting exposed to the big Aussie comp is a really good place to be able to do that." Apart from a brief stint at the Magic in 2020, the fleet-footed Souness has been an integral part of the Pulse since 2015. Between Jackson, Gordon and Souness, the Pulse have now lost three players to Australian league. Pulse shooter Tiana Metuarau is also leaving the Wellington based franchise after a number of seasons. RNZ understands the former Silver Fern is heading to the United Kingdom. Souness said it would be a big step up into the rigours of the Australian league. "I'm very nervous but also very excited... it's not just the netball, it's also a life experience and getting that time away from what I'm used to and what I'm comfortable with, you can only grow from being in uncomfortable places." Giants head coach Nerida Stewart said Souness would be a major asset. "Whitney is an incredibly smart and dynamic athlete who brings with her a high level of international experience and a real calmness in pressure moments," Stewart said. "She's someone who can seamlessly link attack and defence, and her ability to control tempo and deliver with precision is exactly what we need to strengthen our midcourt. "We're really looking forward to seeing how she thrives in the Super Netball environment and what she can bring to our group both on and off the court." Souness, who has played 136 national league matches, said the Pulse felt like another home to her. "So, this is kind of bittersweet because the yellow dress has meant everything to me. "It's hard but at the end of the day, it's our job and if we want to grow and get better, sometimes we have to do things we're not too comfortable with all the time." Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola paid tribute to the midcourter. "Beyond her athletic brilliance, Whitney's connection to our community runs deep. "She's been more than a player, she's been a role model, a mentor and a familiar face who's inspired countless young athletes throughout the Central Zone and especially her local Porirua community." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
NZ Herald
14 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Netball: Magic farewell captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio after four years with Waikato-BoP team
Her international career includes 79 caps for the Silver Ferns, captaining New Zealand to Constellation Cup victories in 2021 and 2024, and being part of the 2019 Netball World Cup winning side. Ekenasio joined the Magic in 2022, where she has been known as a calm and influential leader, bringing stability and experience to the team. 'Her leadership was matched by her trademark shooting style – smooth, accurate, and composed under pressure,' the Magic said in a release. 'She provided consistency in the circle and played a key role in guiding the team's attack, forming valuable partnerships with emerging shooters.' She was recognised as the 2024 ANZ Premiership Player of the Year. Ahead of the 2025 season, she relocated to Tauranga with her whānau. 'I've been so honoured to represent Magic, which has such a rich history of netball and a proud region behind it,' Ekenasio said. 'Magic have been behind me all the way while I returned from my second pregnancy and I cannot thank them enough for this. Magic Ameliaranne Ekenasio in action during the Magic v Steel ANZ Premiership Netball Match at the Glowbox Arena in Hamilton. Photo / Michael Bradley 'It is four years that I will cherish. 'The community behind Magic is immense and getting out into the region are memories I'll hold close. Especially out to my Whakatane Netball Centre, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. 'A big thank you to MJ [Mary-Jane Araroa] who has always believed in me and given me permission to explore leading together ... Magic will always hold such a special place in my heart.' Head coach Araroa said the team were 'incredibly saddened' she would not return for another season. 'There are truly no words that can fully capture the impact she has had on our club. Meels leaves behind a legacy as one of the great legends of Magic, a legacy defined by integrity, leadership, and excellence on and off the court. 'She epitomises what it means to be a mana wahine, strong, grounded and inspiring. Her presence has not only uplifted our team but has also made a lasting mark on netball in Aotearoa. 'We stand behind her decision and send our full support and aroha. 'Ngā mihi nui, Meels, once Magic, always Magic.'
Otago Daily Times
17 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio to leave Magic
By Bridget Tunnicliffe of RNZ Magic captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio won't be returning to the Waikato Bay of Plenty for the 2026 ANZ Premiership season. Ekenasio recently announced she would be taking a break from netball, and did not make herself available for the Silver Ferns 2025 international window. The Silver Ferns are now looking for a new captain, with Ekenasio leading the national side for a number of years. It remains to be seen what Ekenasio plans to do next but a move to the Australian league could be on the cards. Karin Burger became the fifth Silver Fern to sign up with a Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) team on Monday when she was confirmed as the latest signing at the Sunshine Coast Lightning for 2026. The Lightning still have one spot left to fill - a third goal shooter spot. Australian-born Ekenasio grew up in Queensland. Burger was the fifth Silver Fern to be granted an exemption to play in the Australian domestic league, in the wake of Netball New Zealand loosening its eligibility rules. Former Silver Ferns Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson will also play in Australia next year, but as they did not make themselves available for New Zealand selection, the pair did not need to apply for any exemption. Magic coach Mary-Jane Araroa they would miss the 79-test cap Silver Fern. "As the landscape of the sport evolves, we stand behind her decision and send our full support and aroha," Araroa said. "We will miss her dearly but celebrate everything she has brought to Magic. We wish her nothing but the very best in her next journey. Ngā mihi nui, Meels, once Magic, always Magic." Since joining Magic in 2022, Ekenasio provided consistency in the shooting circle and played a key role in guiding the team's attack, forming valuable partnerships with emerging shooters. Ekenasio played several seasons at the Pulse before moving to the Magic. In 2024 she was recognised as the 2024 ANZ Premiership Player of the Year. Araroa said Ekenasio left a huge legacy. "While we are incredibly saddened that Meels will not be returning for another season with us, we want to take this moment to acknowledge the immense personal and professional contribution she has made to AVIS Magic. "There are truly no words that can fully capture the impact she has had on our club. Meels leaves behind a legacy as one of the great legends of Magic, a legacy defined by integrity, leadership, and excellence on and off the court. "Her presence has not only uplifted our team but has also made a lasting mark on netball in Aotearoa." Ekenasio, who relocated to Tauranga with her whānau ahead of the 2025 season, said she had been honoured to represent the Magic. "Magic have been behind me all the way while I returned from my second pregnancy and I can not thank them enough for this and supporting me and my whānau," Ekenasio said. "It is four years that I will cherish while hitting some milestones with Magic and creating some history as well. Thank you to all the management during my journey at Magic and all the girls who I was able to play alongside." "The community behind Magic is immense and getting out into the region are memories I'll hold close. Especially out to my Whakatane Netball Centre, thank you for welcoming me with open arms. "A big thank you to MJ [coach Mary-Jane Araroa] who has always believed in me and given me permission to explore leading together. I'm forever indebted and Magic will always hold such a special place in my heart." Her international career includes captaining New Zealand to Constellation Cup victories in 2021 and 2024, and being part of the 2019 Netball World Cup-winning side.
