Wootten was announced yesterday as the new Netball New Zealand chief executive, taking over from Jennie Wyllie, who stepped down late last year after a period of turmoil for the sport — including the standing down of Silver Ferns coach Noeline Taurua.
Wootten, who was recognised with the Sport New Zealand CK Doig Leadership award in 2024 for outstanding leadership, has served as the chief executive of Aktive since 2021 and has plenty of experience behind her, including serving as chief executive for the World Masters Games in 2017.
She has also been the general manager of partnerships and communications for Sport New Zealand and a director of cricket for the women’s World Cup in 2021 and played a leading role in delivering the Rugby World Cup 2011 programme in Auckland.
‘‘I feel extremely privileged to be taking up this role,’’ Wootten said.
‘‘Netball New Zealand is an organisation with an extraordinary community behind it and the Silver Ferns are one of our most beloved sporting teams.
‘‘My career has been built on bringing people together around ambitious shared goals.
‘‘I am coming into this role with enormous respect for the netball community and a real desire to keep building this sport. I look forward to connecting with the community and our partners, and working hard to deliver the future this sport deserves.’’
Wootten takes over the role on August 12.
NNZ interim chief executive Jane Patterson, who did not apply for the permanent job, citing her career stage, will stay in the role until mid-August to support Wootten’s transition and the Silver Ferns’ Commonwealth Games campaign.
