The Silver Ferns coach Ruth Aitken will stand down at the end of the year and take up a new role as Netball New Zealand Coaching Director.
Aitken will retire from her role as Head coach at the conclusion of the three test series against Australia at the end of October.
In the wake of the Silver Ferns extra time loss to Australia at the recent world champs in Singapore Aitken took time to contemplate her future and says the time feels right to stand down.
Aitken, took up the Silver Ferns job in 2001 and won 85 of her 110 Games, including the World Championship title in 2003 and Commonwealth Games gold medals in 2006 and 2010.
Silver Ferns assistant coach Wai Taumanu has confirmed she will apply for the top job and is seen as Aitken's natural successor.
