Silver Ferns Assistant Coach Announced

Netball New Zealand has appointed former Silver Fern and renowned Netball coach Waimarama Taumaunu as the Assistant coach of the Silver Ferns through to the end of 2008.

Taumaunu has over 20 years coaching experience both in New Zealand and overseas. Taumaunu was the National Performance Director for All England Netball from 1998-2003 and was the Assistant coach for England at the 2003 World Netball Championships. Prior to that Taumaunu has coached the NZA Team and been Assistant Coach of the Silver Ferns. At a local level Taumaunu has more recently coached the Capital Shakers side in last year’s National Bank Cup and has been involved in various coaching and administrative roles in the Wellington region over a number of years.

Taumaunu represented New Zealand from 1981 until 1991. In that time she was Captain from 1989 until 1991, and in 1987 was part of the World Championship winning team.

Taumaunu’s role as Assistant Coach will be a part time role as she continues in her full time role at the State Services Commission.

Netball New Zealand Chief Executive Raelene Castle said Taumaunu has demonstrated a strong commitment to netball as well as a profound analytical and strategic approach to the game at an elite level.

“Waimarama is widely respected throughout the netball community and is a strategic thinker of the game. We believe she will make a very strong combination with Ruth Aitken and the Silver Ferns will gain hugely from the expertise she will bring to the team,” said Castle.

Taumaunu is thrilled to take up the role as Silver Ferns Assistant coach.

“I believe I have real value to offer the sport and the role offers plenty of challenges and opportunities for me to contribute,” she said.

The appointment is effective immediately.
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