On the back of a strong defensive unit, the Stars Netball side returned to the winners’ circle with a hard-fought four-goal win over Te Wānanga o Raukawa Pulse.
Round 3 of the ANZ Premiership sees early-season momentum begin to take shape, with one unbeaten side, one still searching for its first win, and several evenly matched contenders looking to settle into the competition.
In a stunning form turnaround, the Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel upset the well-performed Stars Netball side to cement a thrilling 69-60 win on their home court in Invercargill on Saturday.
Round 2 of the 2026 ANZ Premiership is set to deliver a compelling weekend of elite domestic netball, with historic rivalries, milestone moments and early-season momentum on the line.
Based in South Auckland, the Stars became the newest elite level netball team in 2017, representing the south and east of Auckland. With the end of the trans-Tasman ANZ Championship in 2016, the Stars joined the five other established New Zealand franchises to form the six-strong standalone ANZ Premiership.
Former Melbourne Vixens head coach Julie Hoornweg became the Stars inaugural coach and Leana de Bruin their first captain.
The Stars are based out of Bruce Pulman Park Papakura with Pulman Arena being their main home venue.
Despite their short history, the Stars have quickly evolved into a quality team and have featured in three Grand Finals (2019, 2022 and 2023), finishing runners-up on each occasion. They have also built a strong and connected support base in south Auckland, representing one of New Zealand’s largest communities.
The Stars were named after the Matariki star cluster which also features on the team’s logo, and incorporates their club colours of purple and silver.
