Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua says it's an "honour" to be welcomed to Parliament for last month's World Cup triumph but there's plenty of other reasons to be happy today as well.
Taurua and the Silver Ferns were welcomed in Wellington by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Wellington mayor Justin Lester, other officials and hundreds of celebrating fans.
After the reception, Taurua told media it was a special occasion.
"For netball, for us to be welcomed to Parliament is something that we haven't experienced before," Taurua said.
"It's such an honour... I'm really honoured that a lot of people turned up."
The Silver Ferns coach revealed today was also the first time the squad had gotten back together since their 52-51 win over Australia in the final with many returning to their respective homes straight away to resume their other jobs.
For Taurua, that meant heading back to Australia and coaching the Sunshine Coast Lightning, meaning she hasn't had time to embrace what she and the Ferns did in Liverpool.
Until today, that is.
"This is the first time that I've started to reflect on the World Cup and the steps and stages that we took and the planning around it," she said.
"So I haven't had a break but it's been amazing to come back and just digest what's happened."
Taurua confirmed earlier this month her contract with the Silver Ferns has been renewed on a short-term deal that will take her through to the 2020 Quad Series in January.
SHARE ME