Trans Tasman clash returns in 2026

The Trans Tasman series will return to Aotearoa, New Zealand in July 2026, as the New Zealand Men’s & Mixed Netball Association once again host the Australian Men’s & Mixed Netball Association across Mixed, 20’s and, 17’s grades. 

The series, last played in Australia in 2024, will return again to New Zealand shores,
with a three match test series contested at the Te Awamutu Events Centre on July 8, 10, and 11. Game times to be confirmed. 

New Zealand Men’s and Mixed President, Tania Anderson, said:

“We are pleased to be able to confirm the return of the Trans-Tasman series to New Zealand this year. The series has a long and proud history, and Australia remain the benchmark nation in Men’s netball. It will be great to see how our younger players can step up to the challenge, and we welcome the opportunity to defend our Open Mixed title.” 

Australia Men’s and Mixed President, Andrew Simons, added:

“Australia and New Zealand have a long rivalry, and it’s exciting that we can continue the tradition of the Trans-Tasman series and showcase the best of men’s and mixed netball."

All matches in the series are intended to be live streamed internationally. 

 A landmark international series is coming to England in November 2026, as England Men’s & Mixed Netball Association host New Zealand Men’s & Mixed Netball Association in a Mixed and U23 Men’s International Test Series.

The series will mark the first time a New Zealand Men’s & Mixed side has toured England, making it a significant moment for the growth of the men’s and mixed game internationally.

The two nations will contest a three match Test Series, with fixtures planned across three locations in England. By taking the series to different regions, the aim is to reach more netball fans across the country and continue building momentum behind the international men’s and mixed game. Dates and venues will be confirmed in due course.

England Men’s & Mixed President, Ryan Allan, said:

“We are proud to be hosting New Zealand in what will be a major moment for the men’s and mixed game in this country. This will be the first time New Zealand have toured England, which makes the series particularly special. It reflects the progress both nations are making and our shared ambition to grow the international calendar in a meaningful way.”

New Zealand Men’s & Mixed President, Tania Anderson, added:

“England have been an exciting force in the men’s and mixed game in recent years, and we are pleased to confirm this series for 2026.”

All matches in the series will be live streamed internationally.

The New Zealand Men’s and Mixed Netball Association (NZMMNA) has appointed Taz Tawhara to be the Head Coach of the New Zealand Open Men’s Netball team, the NetBlacks, commencing in January 2026. 

“I am pleased to announce Taz Tawhara’s appointment to the NetBlacks Head Coach role. Taz brings extensive experience at both domestic and international levels within both Netball New Zealand and New Zealand Men’s and Mixed.” Said Tania Anderson, NZMMNA President. 

A head coach at NZMMNA age-grade levels including both 23’s and 20’s, as well as a former title winning coach with the Fast 5 Net Blacks, Tawhara has extensive coaching experience within the Men’s and Mixed landscape which has culminated in this appointment leading the national Men’s netball team. 

“We had several high-quality candidates apply and it is a testament to Taz’s commitment to our international coaching pathways and her growth and development over the past few years that she has been able to secure this role.” 

“Taz has shown consistent commitment to our international player pathway and coaching programme across several years. We are excited to work with her as we look forward to 2028 and the first Men’s Netball World Cup which is our key focus over the next three years.” said Anderson. 

Accomplished in the women’s game also, Tawhara has won titles in Wellington’s domestic premier competition and has been recognized for her service by Wellington Netball Centre and was the recipient of Netball New Zealand’s Volunteer Coach of the Year award in 2024. 

“I am absolutely thrilled to be appointed to this role – a highlight in my coaching career. Over the past several years I have been privileged to develop and hone my coaching approach in the Men’s game, and I am excited to be given this opportunity to work towards the 2028 Men’s Netball World Cup as the NetBlacks head coach” said Tawhara. 

“The appointment process for this role was very robust and involved two interview rounds and also for the first time, included external psychometric testing, which further informed the appointment. NZMMNA is committed to ensuring robust appointment processes for our coaches moving forward.” concluded Anderon. 

Tawhara will step into the role immediately following completion of the 20’s and under squad tour to Singapore in January 2026. 

ENDS.