Central Pulse star addition Ameliaranne Ekenasio might not have played last test for Silver Ferns
Wednesday, 3 September 2025
With a Central Pulse reunion confirmed, Ameliaranne Ekenasio has left the door slightly ajar for another pinnacle event with the Silver Ferns.
The former Ferns captain will reunite with the Wellington-based side next year, returning after four seasons with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic.
Ekenasio’s signing is a much-needed one for the Pulse, whose side looks unrecognisable from this season, ravaged by player departures.
Leading Silver Ferns Kelly Jackson and Maddy Gordon (both Queensland Firebirds) have signed in Australia’s Super Netball, while rising shooting talent Amelia Walmsley has joined the south Auckland-based Stars.
The Pulse have also lost starters, 44-test Ferns midcourter Whitney Souness to Giants Netball in Australia, goal attack Tiana Metuarau to England’s Birmingham Panthers, and wing defence Fa'amu Ioane.
Ekenasio is reunited with the Pulse, where she began her netball journey in New Zealand after relocating from Queensland in 2014. She played for the team from 2015-20, winning back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020.
While eight Kiwi netballers will ply their trade in Australia’s Super Netball next year, the 34-year-old revealed she never considered a move herself, wanting to be in Wellington with husband Damien and children, Ocean and Luna. Ekenasio would have been an enticing option for Australian clubs given her vast experience, long range shooting, and Australian connections.
“We honestly took it off the table completely just because of where we’re at… It was one step too far to think about it for this coming year. I think it would have broken our family,” Ekenasio told The Post.
She has not retired from international netball, but her playing future in the black dress remained uncertain.
Dame Noeline Taurua would dearly love to have a player of Ekenasio’s experience and talent in her ranks with the 2019 Netball World Cup winner still the best goal attack in the country.
With the 2026 Commonwealth Games looming in Glasgow in July, Ekenasio would be a valuable addition if she was interested and performing strongly for the Pulse.
“If I knew it was a hard no that I’d never wear the black dress again 100% I would have just completely retired internationally… I will just see where I’m at after this season with the Pulse.
“I do want to have a really good year with them next year and a really solid and consistent and strong season with them. I’ll just see how I feel. I feel like so much can change.”
Having family support in Wellington and being just five minutes drive from the Pulse training facility, Ākau Tangi Sports Centre in Kilbirnie, was a powerful lure.
Husband Damien, a former Wellington Saints basketball stalwart, is general manager for Capital Basketball.
“I feel like I know what I’m walking into with the Pulse. They’re such a proud club and they’re meticulous with how they run everything,” she said.
“That’s really important to me because it allows me to just be a netballer and just be an athlete. That’s what I’m really looking forward to.”
In previous seasons, she commuted between Wellington and the Waikato-Bay of Plenty region to play for the Magic, but was based in Tauranga this past season with her family.
Ekenasio loved her stint with the Magic and received fantastic support, but said the travel and time apart from family had been challenging.
“My heart was kind of torn in pieces. It was like I had a split personality in the life I was living. Looking forward to just being one person again [in Wellington].”
Not being part of the Silver Ferns’ national squad, Ekenasio had already relished the extra time with family.
She and Damien are training for the Queenstown half marathon on November 15, her first half marathon. Ekenasio had set herself a goal of completing the race in under two hours. She was also developing an exercise and movement app and will travel to Australia in December for the 10th anniversary of her late mother Denese, who died of a terminal illness in 2015.
“Honestly, what is the most special thing is that I get to be with my kids and I get to be a mum every single day. I don’t have to go away on any trips or go away on tours, or things like that. Just being able to be with them every single day, day in and day out, has been really special.”
Ekenasio’s move to the Pulse is the most noteworthy off-season signing by ANZ Premiership teams thus far.
Walmsley’s addition boosts the Temepara Bailey coached Stars, who have also signed midcourter Claire O’Brien and shooter Martina Salmon.
The Mystics have replaced Australian goal shoot Donnell Wallam by snapping up 52-test Fern Maia Wilson from the crosstown Stars.