ANZ Premiership: New Zealand’s Premier Netball League

The ANZ Premiership is New Zealand’s premier domestic netball competition, featuring the top teams and players from across the country. Established in 2017, it replaced the ANZ Championship as the leading netball league in New Zealand. The league is managed by Netball New Zealand (NNZ) and plays a crucial role in the development of elite netball talent.

The competition follows a round-robin format, culminating in playoffs and a grand final. It provides a platform for both experienced players and emerging young stars to showcase their skills. The ANZ Premiership is a key feeder system for the New Zealand national team, the Silver Ferns, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent.

With fast-paced action, competitive matches, and passionate fan support, the ANZ Premiership continues to grow in popularity. The league attracts significant sponsorship deals, media coverage, and international interest, making it one of the most prominent netball competitions globally.

Key Highlights:

  • Established in 2017, replacing the ANZ Championship.
  • Features top New Zealand netball teams in a professional league.
  • A stepping stone for players to join the Silver Ferns.

The ANZ Premiership remains at the forefront of New Zealand’s netball scene, providing high-quality competition and entertainment.

ANZ Premiership Teams and Franchises

The ANZ Premiership consists of six franchise teams, each representing different regions across New Zealand. These teams compete annually for the championship title, with strong rivalries and competitive matchups making the league exciting for fans.

Each team boasts a mix of seasoned internationals and up-and-coming players, ensuring high-quality netball action. Some franchises have a rich history of success, while others have emerged as strong contenders in recent seasons. Every team plays home and away games, giving fans across the country the chance to witness live netball action.

The Suncorp Netball franchises have dedicated coaching staff, training facilities, and development programs to nurture talent. The league structure encourages local engagement, with teams building strong connections with their fan bases through community events and outreach programs.

ANZ Premiership Teams & Home Venues

Team Main Home Venue City/Suburb Zone/Region
Central Pulse TSB Bank Arena Wellington Central
Mainland Tactix Christchurch Arena Christchurch Mainland (Canterbury)
Northern Mystics The Trusts Arena Auckland Northern (Northland, Auckland)
Northern Stars Pulman Arena Takanini East Auckland, South Auckland
Southern Steel Stadium Southland Invercargill South (Southland, Otago)
Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic Claudelands Arena Hamilton Waikato/Bay of Plenty

Each team brings a unique style of play, making the ANZ Premiership a thrilling and unpredictable competition.

ANZ PREMIERSHIP: GRAND FINALE WINNERS LIST:

Season Winners Score Runners-Up Venue
2017 Southern Steel 69–53 Central Pulse Stadium Southland
2018 Southern Steel 54–53 Central Pulse Fly Palmy Arena
2019 Central Pulse 52–48 Northern Stars Te Rauparaha Arena
2020 Central Pulse 43–31 Mainland Tactix Stadium Southland
2021 Northern Mystics 61–59 Mainland Tactix Spark Arena
2022 Central Pulse 56–37 Northern Stars TSB Bank Arena
2023 Northern Mystics 74–56 Northern Stars Globox Arena

MINOR PREMIERSHIPS WINNERS

Season Winners
2017 Southern Steel
2018 Southern Steel
2019 Central Pulse
2020 Central Pulse
2021 Northern Mystics
2022 Central Pulse
2023 Northern Mystics
2024 Northern Mystics

ANZ PREMIERSHIP WINNING COACHES:

Season Head Coach Team
2017 Reinga Bloxham Southern Steel
2018 Reinga Bloxham Southern Steel
2019 Yvette McCausland-Durie Central Pulse
2020 Yvette McCausland-Durie Central Pulse
2021 Helene Wilson Northern Mystics
2022 Yvette McCausland-Durie Central Pulse
2023 Tia Winikerei Northern Mystics
2024 Anna Andrews-Tasola Central Pulse
2025 Wendy Frew Southern Steel

ANZ PREMIERSHIP WINNING CAPTAINS:

Season Captain(s) Team
2017 Wendy Frew Southern Steel
2018 Wendy Frew Southern Steel
2019 Katrina Grant Central Pulse
2020 Katrina Rore Central Pulse
2021 Sulu Fitzpatrick Northern Mystics
2022 Tiana Metuarau, Kelly Jury Central Pulse
2023 Sulu Fitzpatrick Northern Mystics
2024 Michaela Sokolich-Beatson Northern Mystics

ANZ PREMIERSHIP TOP GOAL SCORERS:

Season Goal Shooter Team Goals (%)
2017 Jhaniele Fowler-Reid Southern Steel 92% (790/859)
2018 Maia Wilson Northern Stars 89% (566/633)
2019 Maia Wilson Northern Stars 83% (619/743)
2020 Grace Nweke Northern Mystics 89% (471/527)
2021 Grace Nweke Northern Mystics 90% (852/951)
2022 Aliyah Dunn Central Pulse 93% (618/664)
2023 Grace Nweke Northern Mystics 92% (825/894)
2024 Grace Nweke Northern Mystics 92% (825/894)

ANZ PREMIERSHIP PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARDS:

Season MVP Team
2017 Jane Watson Southern Steel
2018 Gina Crampton Southern Steel
2019 Gina Crampton Southern Steel
2020 Karin Burger Mainland Tactix
2021 Kelly Jury Central Pulse
2022 Sulu Fitzpatrick Northern Mystics
2023 Grace Nweke Northern Mystics

ANZ Premiership Players

The ANZ Premiership showcases some of the best netball players in the world, with both established international stars and promising young talent competing at the highest level. Many Silver Ferns players come through this league, using it as a platform to prove themselves on the international stage.

Each season, standout performers emerge, impressing with their skill, agility, and tactical intelligence. The league is known for its world-class shooters, midcourt maestros, and defensive powerhouses, making every game an exciting display of netball excellence.

Player recruitment in the ANZP is competitive, with franchises scouting the best young talent from New Zealand’s domestic competitions. The league also occasionally attracts top international players looking to experience the fast-paced New Zealand style of play.

Notable Players in ANZ Premiership History:

  • Ameliaranne Ekenasio – A key figure for both Pulse and Silver Ferns.
  • Grace Nweke – One of the most promising young shooters in netball.
  • Jane Watson – A defensive leader for Tactix and New Zealand.
  • Gina Crampton – A midcourt maestro with exceptional playmaking skills.

The ANZ Premiership continues to be a launching pad for future netball legends, shaping the stars of tomorrow.

ANZ Premiership Format and Rules

The ANZ Premiership follows a double round-robin format, meaning each team plays every other team twice during the regular season. The competition is designed to be intense and competitive, ensuring teams must perform consistently to secure a spot in the playoffs.

Each win earns a team three points, while a loss results in zero points. However, a team losing by five or fewer goals receives a bonus point, which keeps the standings competitive throughout the season. The top three teams at the end of the regular season qualify for the finals series.

The semi-finals and grand final determine the season’s champion, with the top-ranked team getting direct entry into the final, while the second and third-placed teams compete in an elimination match. This format ensures the best-performing teams get an advantage while still allowing for thrilling upsets.

Key Competition Rules:

  • Each team plays 12 regular-season matches.
  • Points System: Win = 3 points, Close Loss (≤5 goals) = 1 point.
  • Top three teams qualify for the finals series.

The ANZ Premiership’s format ensures every game matters, making it one of the most competitive netball leagues.

ANZ Premiership Grand Final

The ANZ Premiership Grand Final is the pinnacle of the competition, where the top two teams battle for the championship title. Played at a neutral or top-ranked team’s venue, the final is a high-intensity match that attracts thousands of fans and viewers.

Grand Finals often produce unforgettable moments, with teams delivering their best performances under pressure. Past editions have seen dramatic finishes, record-breaking performances, and last-second goals, making the ANZ Premiership final a must-watch event.

Winning the Grand Final is the ultimate achievement in New Zealand netball, bringing prestige, media attention, and increased fan engagement to the victorious team. Champions not only receive the trophy but also solidify their place in netball history.

Memorable ANZ Premiership Grand Finals:

  • 2022: Central Pulse dominated to reclaim their title.
  • 2021: Northern Mystics clinched their first-ever championship.
  • 2019: A thrilling showdown between Pulse and Stars.

The Grand Final remains the most anticipated match of the ANZ Premiership, showcasing the best of New Zealand netball.

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