Ameliaranne Ekenasio is heading home.
After four years with the Waikato-Bay of Plenty Magic, the former Silver Ferns captain has signed with the Central Pulse for the 2026 ANZ Premiership.
"I am happy to be returning home," Ekenasio said.
"I’m just looking forward to having my feet on the ground and in one place.
"Being able to have my family settled and at home will be a game-changer. I’m just looking forward to that. It’s a bit of a return really to where my career kicked off, so that’s exciting."
Ekenasio, a mother of two, adds some much needed experience to the Pulse — she has played 129 domestic games — after they had a big clear-out during the off-season.
They have lost six of their starting seven, plus a few reserves. Kelly Jackson and Maddy Gordon have gone to the Queensland Firebirds, Whitney Souness is heading to the Giants, Tiana Metuarau signed with the Birmingham Panthers and Amelia Walmsley will link up with the Northern Stars.
The Pulse also farewelled replacement Gabi Simpson (returning to Australia), Amorangi Malesala (Mainland Tactix), Fa’amu Ioane and Laura Balmer. It is unclear where the last two are heading.
Ekenasio started her career in Australia with the Firebirds in 2011-14 before moving to New Zealand and signing with the Pulse.
She joined the Wellington franchise in 2015-20 and won two titles with the Pulse.
"I think the best I can commit to is leading by example," she said.
"I know what it takes to win and to be a high performing athlete and I really love the preparation for that. Once I’m committed to something the obsession with preparation really begins."
The goal attack stepped down from the Silver Ferns in July, opting to take a break from the international game for her "mind, body and spirit".
Since 2014, she has earned 79 caps. She played a key role in the Silver Ferns’ World Cup win in 2019 and captained them to Constellation Cup series wins in 2021 and 2024.
