Pacific talent shines in Silver Ferns selection

It is a proud moment for our Pacific community as five Pasifika netballers have been named in the Silver Ferns squad for the upcoming 2025/2026 season.

The squad, announced on Monday, includes three uncapped players, one who has earned a well-deserved recall and another returning from a serious injury, highlighting the resilience and pride within the Pacific representation.

Filda Vui, Martina Salmon, Mila-Reuelu Buchanan, Peta Toeava, and Saviour Tui all earned their selection after solid performances in the ANZ Premiership and earlier international tests.

The biggest talking point was the re-selection of Mystics midcourter, Peta Toeava. While she has only played eight tests in the black dress, her continued omission over the years has often sparked debate.

A key player for her Northern side and a powerhouse throughout her nine years in the ANZ Premiership, Toeava’s absence from the Ferns squad has largely been attributed to head coach Dame Noeline Taurua’s strict fitness standards.

Finally, after years of being in and out of the Ferns environment, Taurua was able to extend a different call to the dynamic Mystics wing attack.

Peta Toeava playing for the Northern Mystics. Photo/Northern Mystics/Facebook

“Usually I’ve rung her up and it hasn’t been a nice phone call, but I’m elated for her,” Taurua told RNZ. “She was able to get herself over the mark, she committed hugely to what needed to happen, and I believe through her improved physical capability, as well, we’ve been able to see what she can do out on court for the Mystics.

“Her ability to play at a high intensity week in, week out, let alone within the game itself, so I can’t wait to work again with her.”

Toeava’s selection has been a long time coming, especially after finishing the season with a league-leading 442 feeds, marking her selection as a testament to her patience.

Go Media Stars Mila Reuelu-Buchanan received the Players' Player of the Year award. Photo/Go Media Stars/Facebook

The same patience is evident in fellow midcourter Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, who returned to the ANZ Premiership after undergoing major ACL reconstruction in 2024.

Arguably the glue of the Northern Stars, Reuelu-Buchanan claimed three of the team’s five major awards, including Members' Choice and Players’ Player, which solidified her place in the Silver Ferns squad.

Mystics’ goal attack Filda Vui, who has worked quietly away from the spotlight, shone this season by sinking an impressive 30 two-point super shots. She is ready to showcase her skills on the international stage.

Similarly, Saviour Tui, known as the ‘smiling assassin’, received her fairy-tale call-up after a consistent 2025 season with the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic, where she formed a strong partnership with former Silver Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio, who has made herself unavailable for selection.

Despite limited court time this season, Taurua clearly recognises the talent of shooter Martina Salmon, who takes a step closer to her dream as one of the six shooters named for the upcoming series.

After spending her school years in Australia, 21-year-old Salmon (nee Reekers) returned to New Zealand to pursue her netball career, and it appears the sacrifices are paying off.

While the five players share just 21 caps - 13 from Buchanan and eight from Toeava - Taurua appears unfazed by their lack of experience.

The Silver Ferns will begin their international series with three matches against South Africa in September, followed by the Constellation Cup against the Australian Diamonds in October, and then head north for the Northern UK matches in November against the Scottish Thistles and England Roses.

The Silver Ferns team to play in next month's Taini Jamison Trophy will be selected early September.

Silver Ferns squad for 2025-2026

Shooters: Grace Nweke, Amelia Walmsley, Martina Salmon, Georgia Heffernan, Filda Vui, Saviour Tui.

Midcourters: Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Mila Reuelu-Buchanan, Peta Toeava, Tayla Earle, Kimiora Poi.

Defenders: Karin Burger, Kate Burley, Kelly Jackson, Catherine Hall, Carys Stythe, Parris Mason.