Fresh squads reshape ANZ Premiership as Pulse chase redemption

A new season of New Zealand’s top domestic netball competition begins this weekend with the ANZ Premiership marking its 10th year and six teams stepping into a reshaped and more predictable 2026 campaign.

The 12-week campaign opens with fresh squads, key international movement, and several high-profile changes across the league, setting up what many expect to be one of the most open title races in years.

A major talking point heading into 2026 is the level of player movement across all six clubs, alongside eligibility rule changes introduced by Netball New Zealand in 2025.

The updated rules allow players more freedom to play internationally without affecting Silver Ferns selection, contributing to a wider reshuffle across the competition.

While the league landscape is shifting, the Central Pulse are again at the centre of attention as they look to climb back after several seasons falling just short.

Speaking with PMN Cook Islands host Temarii Koroa, coach Anna Andrews-Tasola says the goal is clear heading into the new campaign.

2026 Pulse Squad. Photo/Instagram

“My job as a coach is to win the championship, and that’s very clear,” she said. “So to not have reached that over the last couple of years is always disappointing, especially when you put your heart and your soul into everything you do.”

The Pulse have not lifted the ANZ Premiership trophy since 2022. In 2024, they came close but fell short against the Mystics before missing the finals entirely last season.

This year, they return with seven new signings and a refreshed squad including the return of Silver Fern and World Cup winner Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who comes back to her hometown club after time with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.

Andrews-Tasola says Ekenasio’s experience has been key to setting standards within the Pulse.

“She is a World Cup winner and a Silver Ferns captain as well, so to have someone of her immense experience be able to set the standards in our environment is massive.”

Ekenasio will link up with South African import Ine-Marí Venter in a rebuilt shooting end as the Pulse adjust following the departures of several key players.

Among those moved on are Tiana Metuarau, who has joined the Birmingham Panthers in the Netball Super League, and Silver Fern Amelia Walmsley, now with the Northern Stars.

Former captain Kelly Jackson and midcourter Maddy Gordon have signed with the Queensland Firebirds in Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball league.

“It’s been really tough having a lot of change in regards to athletes leaving,” Andrews-Tasola said. “They've been with us for a long time. We've literally all grown up together.”

“But we are super proud of the environment that we created at the Pulse to be able to enable athletes to reach their potential… What I am most proud of is that we’ve got a new group coming through who are a part of our local pathways who now have an opportunity at this level.”

Across the league, the scale of player movement has raised expectations of a tighter, more competitive season, with every club entering 2026 with fresh combinations and new faces.

Defending champions the Mainland Tactix, Northern Mystics, Northern Stars, and Southern Steel all begin their campaigns this weekend as the race for early points gets underway.

The Pulse open their season against the Magic at TSB Arena in Wellington on Saturday, with centre pass at 4pm (NZT), in what will be one of the first real tests of the new-look squad.

Following that, the Tactix take on the Southern Steel at Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch. Having won their last 10 meetings with the Steel, and remaining unbeaten at home throughout 2025, the Steel will look to make a statement Saturday evening, 7pm.

The final game of round one will see a classic battle of the bridge, as the Northern Mystics play the Northern Stars at Pulman Arena. Centre pass is scheduled for 12pm on Sunday, depending on weather conditions.

Watch Anna Andrews-Tasola's full interview below

To stay up to date on the 2026 ANZ Premiership season click here.