Latest news with #TainiJamisonTrophy
NZ Herald
30-07-2025
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Silver Ferns: Northern Mystics shooter Filda Vui ready for international call-up
High-pressure experience in the ANZ Premiership has Filda Vui confident of filling the goal attack bib of Ameliaranne Ekenasio. The Northern Mystics shooter is widely tipped to be selected in the Silver Ferns squad to face South Africa for the Taini Jamison Trophy in late September. Ekenasio stepped down as
Otago Daily Times
22-07-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Silver Ferns captain Ekenasio to take a break from internationals
Ameliaranne Ekenasio will take a break from international netball. Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has made herself unavailable for this year's internationals. "I need this break-for my mind, body, and spirit," Ekenasio said in a statement. Ekenasio has taken time out before, including missing the Nations Cup in 2023. Since making her debut in 2014, 34-year-old Ekenasio has worn the black dress 79 times, playing a key role in New Zealand's 2019 Netball World Cup triumph and captaining the team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Constellation Cup series, along with multiple Taini Jamison Trophy wins. She was named Silver Ferns captain in 2021 and returned to the role after the birth of her second child. Ekenasio said her decision wasn't easy. "It's been an amazing journey, but now it's time to listen to what I need personally and take space to reset." Coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be hoping the new player eligibility ruling will see Grace Nweke available for selection, otherwise she would be without two key players in the attacking circle. However, Dame Noeline acknowledges Ekenasio's decision. "I've always supported athletes in making decisions that are right for them and I fully respect Ameliaranne's choice to step away from the international stage at this time," she said. "As a mother and wife, supporting a growing family, alongside the demands of being a high-performance athlete and carrying significant leadership responsibilities, the load can be immense. "I personally understand that sometimes being everything to everyone simply isn't sustainable". Taurua said Ekenasio would be missed this year, but looks forward to welcoming Ameliaranne back when she is ready. The Silver Ferns play a series against South Africa in September, before the Constellation Cup series with Australia in October.
1News
22-07-2025
- Sport
- 1News
'I need this break' - Silver Ferns captain unavailable for internationals
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has made herself unavailable for this year's internationals. "I need this break-for my mind, body, and spirit," Ekenasio said in a statement. Ekenasio has taken time out before, including missing the Nations Cup in 2023. Since making her debut in 2014, 34-year-old Ekenasio has worn the black dress 79 times, playing a key role in New Zealand's 2019 Netball World Cup triumph and captaining the team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Constellation Cup series, along with multiple Taini Jamison Trophy wins. She was named Silver Ferns captain in 2021 and returned to the role after the birth of her second child. ADVERTISEMENT Ekenasio said her decision wasn't easy. "It's been an amazing journey, but now it's time to listen to what I need personally and take space to reset." Coach Dame Noeline Taurua will be hoping the new player eligibility ruling will see Grace Nweke, currently playing in Australia, available for selection, otherwise she would be without two key players in the attacking circle. However, Dame Noeline acknowledges Ekenasio's decision. "I've always supported athletes in making decisions that are right for them and I fully respect Ameliaranne's choice to step away from the international stage at this time," she said. "As a mother and wife, supporting a growing family, alongside the demands of being a high-performance athlete and carrying significant leadership responsibilities, the load can be immense. "I personally understand that sometimes being everything to everyone simply isn't sustainable". The Silver Ferns play a series against South Africa in September, before the Constellation Cup series with Australia in October.
Scoop
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
Silver Ferns Captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio Announces Unavailability For 2025 International Season
Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio has today confirmed she will be making herself unavailable for the 2025 international netball season, stepping back from the national side after more than a decade at the top of the game. Since making her debut in 2014, Ekenasio has proudly worn the black dress 79 times, playing a key role in New Zealand's 2019 Netball World Cup triumph and captaining the team to victory in the 2021 and 2024 Constellation Cup series, along with multiple Taini Jamison Trophy wins. Renowned for her calm leadership and long-range accuracy, Ekenasio has been a powerful force both on and off the court. She was named Silver Ferns captain in 2021 and returned to the role after the birth of her second child. Reflecting on her decision, Ekenasio said choosing to step away from the Silver Ferns for the upcoming international season wasn't an easy decision, but it's one I've thought deeply about. 'I need this break—for my mind, body, and spirit. It's been an amazing journey, but now it's time to listen to what I need personally and take space to reset.' 'It's been the greatest honour to represent Aotearoa and to lead this group of amazing women. There is so much talent and within the Ferns environment and I'm excited for what lies ahead.' Silver Ferns head coach Dame Noeline Taurua acknowledges Ekenasio's decision: 'I've always supported athletes in making decisions that are right for them. I fully respect Ameliaranne's choice to step away from the international stage at this time. As a mother and wife, supporting a growing family, alongside the demands of being a high-performance athlete and carrying significant leadership responsibilities, the load can be immense. I personally understand that sometimes being everything to everyone simply isn't sustainable'. There's no doubt she will be deeply missed this year, her leadership, presence and unique skillsets are irreplaceable. At the same time, I truly admire her selfless decision. It reflects a deep understanding of the commitment required to be a Silver Fern, and her integrity to step back when she can't give it her all right now'. 'I look forward to welcoming Ameliaranne back when she is ready.' Born in Queensland and of Ngāpuhi descent, Ekenasio made the move to Wellington in 2014 to join the Central Pulse, going on to forge a remarkable international career built on resilience and determination—returning from injury, personal adversity, and motherhood to lead the Silver Ferns with distinction.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Winning Move: WM New Zealand Announced As Naming Rights Partner Of International Netball Series
Netball New Zealand (NNZ) is proud to announce a landmark partnership with WM New Zealand who will become the naming rights partner of the International Netball Series – encompassing both the Taini Jamison Trophy and the New Zealand played Constellation Cup matches. The multi-year agreement marks a significant step forward for the sport, with WM New Zealand's support helping to elevate the profile of international netball matches and provide greater opportunities to engage fans across Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Under the new partnership, the Series will be known as the WM New Zealand Netball Series, where the Silver Ferns will compete this year against South Africa for the Taini Jamison Trophy and play the Australian Diamonds to compete for the Constellation Cup. Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Jennie Wyllie said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, community impact and the growth of women's sport. 'We are delighted to welcome WM New Zealand as our naming rights partner for our International Netball Series,' Wyllie said. 'This partnership allows us to continue building on the proud legacy of both the Taini Jamison Trophy and the Constellation Cup, showcasing the Silver Ferns' winning moves while inspiring the next generation of athletes and fans. WM New Zealand's values align strongly with our own, and we're excited about what we can achieve together.' The International Netball Series has long been a highlight on the global calendar, drawing some of the sport's fiercest international rivalries. The addition of WM New Zealand's backing signals renewed energy and ambition for netball at the highest level. WM New Zealand Managing Director Evan Maehl said the company was proud to stand alongside Netball NZ as naming rights partner. 'WM New Zealand is honoured to partner with Netball New Zealand in supporting the pinnacle of international netball in Aotearoa,' Maehl said. 'We believe in championing excellence, inclusion and community – values that are deeply embedded in this partnership. Our commitment to innovation and kaitiakitangi drives everything we do, and now we're excited to bring that same dedication to supporting elite netball. We're excited to support the Silver Ferns and help bring fans closer to the game they love through the WM International Netball Series.' Tickets for the WM International Netball Series go on public sale 12.00pm today.
