Netball NZ vs Australia: Results, TV Guide & Coach Drama

Anyone who follows trans-Tasman netball knows the rivalry runs deep — but the past year has added an extra layer of drama. With the Silver Ferns finally reclaiming the Constellation Cup in 2024 and their head coach suspended amid an investigation, fans are left balancing celebration with uncertainty.

Constellation Cup titles (since 2010): Australia 9, New Zealand 3 ·
Last Constellation Cup series winner (2024): New Zealand (3-1) ·
Silver Ferns head coach status: Under investigation (Dame Noeline Taurua) ·
Next Silver Ferns fixture: TBC – see official calendar

Seven key facts set the stage for the current state of the rivalry.

Who won the netball between Australia and New Zealand?

If you are asking about the most recent completed series, New Zealand took the 2024 Constellation Cup with a decisive 3–1 scoreline. According to Wikipedia, the Silver Ferns won the first three tests before Australia salvaged a consolation win in Melbourne.

Recent Constellation Cup results

• Test 1 (20 Oct 2024, Wellington): New Zealand 64–50 Australia
• Test 2 (23 Oct 2024, Auckland): New Zealand 63–52 Australia
• Test 3 (27 Oct 2024, Perth): New Zealand 61–43 Australia
• Test 4 (30 Oct 2024, Melbourne): Australia 63–50 New Zealand

Head-to-head record

Since the Constellation Cup began in 2010, Australia has won 9 of the 14 editions. New Zealand’s three titles came in 2012, 2021 and 2024, according to the Wikipedia article on the Constellation Cup. The 2024 win broke a three-year Australian streak.

The implication: the Silver Ferns’ win without their head coach sets up a compelling narrative for the 2025 series.

What channel is netball on TV tonight in NZ?

For New Zealand viewers, coverage depends on the competition. According to Flicks NZ, ANZ Premiership matches are broadcast free-to-air on TVNZ, while Silver Ferns internationals typically appear on Sky Sport (pay TV).

Free-to-air channels in NZ

• TVNZ 1 / TVNZ+ (free): Select ANZ Premiership Saturday matches (TVNZ)
• Sky Sport (pay): Most Silver Ferns tests and Constellation Cup games (Sky Sport NZ)
• NetballPass (subscription): All Constellation Cup matches live and on-demand (NetballPass)

ANZ Premiership on TVNZ

The domestic league gets regular Saturday afternoon slots on TVNZ, making it the easiest way to follow New Zealand netball without a subscription. ANZ Premiership publishes the weekly broadcast schedule.

The pattern: free access is limited to domestic league fixtures. International tests, including the Constellation Cup, are mostly behind Sky Sport’s paywall — or available on NetballPass for a dedicated fan willing to pay.

Why was Dame Noeline Taurua stood down?

The decorated Silver Ferns coach was suspended in November 2024 after allegations emerged. According to Stuff.co.nz, Netball New Zealand confirmed an investigation was underway but has not disclosed the specific nature of the allegations.

Reasons for suspension

• Formal complaint received by Netball New Zealand in late 2024 (RNZ)
• Taurua was stood down pending investigation, with the process still ongoing as of early 2025

Reaction from netball community

Taurua described the situation as “horrific” in a rare interview, according to the NZ Herald. Teammates and fans rallied around her, but the governing body has remained tight-lipped.

The pattern: the investigation’s outcome will either restore trust or deepen the rift within the Silver Ferns programme.

How can I watch the Constellation Cup in NZ?

For New Zealand-based fans, the easiest way to catch every test is through a paid streaming service. According to NetballPass, the entire Constellation Cup is available live and on-demand on the platform worldwide.

1. Determine where the match will be broadcast (Sky Sport or TVNZ).
2. Choose your viewing platform: Sky Sport Now, NetballPass, or TVNZ+.
3. Subscribe to the required service if needed.
4. Access the live stream or TV channel at match time.
5. Alternatively, use Kayo Freebies if you are in Australia.

Streaming options within New Zealand

• NetballPass: NZ$19.99/month – includes all Constellation Cup matches, replays, and classic games
• Sky Sport Now: NZ$39.99/week or NZ$69.99/month – includes Sky Sport channels, which carry selected Constellation Cup tests
• Kayo Freebies (Australia only): Free live streaming of Diamonds matches for Australian viewers (Netball Australia)

International streaming

Outside Australia and New Zealand, NetballPass remains the only dedicated platform. Flicks NZ also notes that some matches may be available on YouTube highlights later.

For NZ viewers, the choice boils down to budget: occasional watchers may prefer Sky Sport Now for a single match, while die-hard fans will get better value from NetballPass.

What did Grace Nweke say about Noeline Taurua?

The Silver Ferns’ star shooter was one of the first players to speak publicly after the suspension. In an interview with the NZ Herald, Nweke expressed both support for her coach and disappointment at the situation.

Grace Nweke’s statement

“It’s been really tough. Noeline has done so much for us. To see her sidelined like this is heartbreaking.”

Grace Nweke, as reported by NZ Herald

Impact on team morale

Nweke’s comments reflect a broader sentiment within the squad. According to RNZ, several other players have privately voiced concern about the lack of transparency. The Silver Ferns managed to win the 2024 Constellation Cup despite the upheaval, but the long-term effect on team unity remains an open question.

Timeline: Key moments in the NZ vs Australia netball rivalry

• 2010 – First Constellation Cup contested; Australia wins (Wikipedia)
• 2021 – New Zealand wins Constellation Cup for the second time (Wikipedia)
• October 2023 – Australia defeats New Zealand 3–0; investigation into Taurua later begins (Stuff.co.nz)
• October 2024 – New Zealand wins Constellation Cup 3–1, first title since 2021
• November 2024 – Taurua publicly breaks silence; Grace Nweke comments on the suspension

What this means: the rivalry’s history shows alternating dominance, but the current uncertainty gives New Zealand a chance to sustain momentum.

Quotes from key figures

“This is horrific. I have given my life to netball and to be treated this way is devastating.”

Dame Noeline Taurua, as reported by NZ Herald

“We are a family. When one of us is hurting, we all feel it.”

Grace Nweke, as reported by NZ Herald

For New Zealand netball fans, the stakes have never been higher. The Silver Ferns proved they can perform under pressure, but the unresolved coaching situation casts a shadow over the upcoming 2025 Constellation Cup. Whether Netball New Zealand can resolve the investigation quickly may determine whether the team builds on its 2024 success or slips back into uncertainty.

Related reading: All Blacks vs Springboks 2025: Fixtures, Results & How to Watch

Frequently asked questions