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FIFA World Cup 2026 posterExcited new Netball NZ CEO already forming game plan
Sport Nation • May 22nd, 2026 3:23 pm
Jennah Wootton | Photo: Blake Armstrong
Newly appointed Chief Executive of Netball New Zealand, Jenna Wootten looks forward to stepping into her new role, with a game plan already forming.
Wootten told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy she was motivated to pursue the position because of the role it plays for females in New Zealand and the nationwide passion for the game.
“For me, that combination of scale, passion and purpose is pretty special and I just feel very privileged to be asked to take on the role."
Despite not formally taking the reins until August 12, Wootten joined the show with a game plan already forming.
“I'm really looking forward to getting out there, from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South, connecting with our staff, our athletes, our coaches, our life members, our zones." She said
Photo: Kerry Marshall/Photosport
“I want to understand everyone within netball's perspective. I want to know what's working. I want to see opportunity for improvement.
“I believe that through deeply understanding those perspectives it's really going to help us as an organisation look at what we need to do next.”
Wootten praised the amazing job Jane Patterson has done while leading Netball New Zealand as interim CEO.
“She's been really focused on making sure we're rebuilding trust with the community.
“That job will of course continue and I know the netball community is going to be wanting to make sure we are doing what we will say we will do.”
With 150,000 registered players around the country, Wootten said the game has very strong grassroots.
“That netty community is absolutely solid and we've just got to make sure that we're continuing to strengthen the pathways into the future.”
Wootten also said it's crucial to acknowledge the invaluable support given by commercial and funding partners.
“We need to be working really hard to ensure that we are placing the right value on Netball, that we're leveraging maximum return for that value, and that we can continue growing the commercial and funding support we have so that we do more into the future for the good of the game.”
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She said her leadership style also reflects taking pride in deep and trusted connections.
“I love building a high-performing organisational culture, but an organisational culture that feels like family and where there's an awful lot of fun that goes on.”
Wootten said she has deep netball roots, having loved the sport since her childhood, despite never playing at a high level.
“I do believe when you're the CEO of a national sporting organisation, you've got to have that deep love for the sport.”
Dame Noeline Taurua after being reappointed as Silver Ferns head coach | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
She said she has not yet had the pleasure of meeting with Silver Ferns coach Dame Noeline Taurua, however looks forward to doing so.
“I will obviously be right behind her and the wider coaching team and our incredible Silver Ferns as they prepare to head to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games.”
Listen to the full interview below:
Subscribe to Sport Nation's weekly netball podcast Centre Pass on Spotify.
