Netball New Zealand says it is happy to appoint an overseas coach to the Silver Ferns role, despite a plea from a leading domestic coach to keep it local.
Wai Taumaunu will step down as coach of the national side after next month's Constellation Cup series against Australia, having been in charge for the past four years.
Former Silver Ferns assistant coach Robyn Broughton said a New Zealander should be appointed, as the side needed to maintain its own flavour.
"I would be disappointed if we didn't have somebody here in New Zealand, that's Kiwi, to do it. I think we should maintain our own flavour and our own style," she said.
Former Silver Ferns assistant coach Robyn Broughton Photo: Photosport
Applications for the job closed late yesterday but Netball New Zealand chief executive Hilary Poole would not say how many applicants there were, although an overseas appointment was quite possible.
Chief executive of Netball NZ Hilary Poole. Photo: Photosport
"We are very much of the very of the view that it will be the best person for the job and yes if they were from offshore we would (appoint them)...it's just really got to be the best person as that's the most important thing for Netball New Zealand and netball in New Zealand," she said.
Poole said Taumaunu and current senior players will be consulted over the appointment.