Outgoing Netball Southland and Steel CEO David Bannister had been offered the job but he turned down the role and has decided to return to Australia to be with his family.
While it is a setback for the organisation, Buckner said new candidates had emerged.
"We had other interest and we'll go back and explore that," Buckner said.
"So there is a process to go through and we'll talk to Netball New Zealand about that. But my feeling is we have new interest so we should be re-advertising."
Buckner felt some people may not have applied initially because of a perception the role was Bannister's for the taking. Now that he is out of the picture, others can come forward and have, Buckner said.
"When the incumbent is no longer there it rejuvenates interest and I've got to say the calibre of people that have come forward is quite exciting." It is unlikely anyone will be appointed before Christmas, with the position likely to be advertised either side of the festive season.
"We don't want to be railroaded into something, so what we are looking at doing is working through the transition with David and relying on senior staff.
"It is a wee bit of a setback but we feel it is an opportunity to widen the net again. It is an important position and we don't want to be rushed this close to Christmas."
