Defender Phoenix Karaka has returned to the Silver Ferns to bolster their experience before the Constellation Cup.
But it means there is no room for midcourter Whitney Souness, who was ruled out of the third England test with an ankle niggle, and has been moved to the New Zealand A squad.
Karaka, who missed the Taini Jamison series through illness, has been key in anchoring the Silver Ferns defence over the past couple of seasons.
"Phoenix’s return is a massive boost for us," coach Noeline Taurua said.
"She brings leadership and strength to our defensive end and her experience will be crucial as we prepare to face Australia."
Taurua has otherwise named an unchanged squad from the England series.
Erena Mikaere retains her spot to join Karaka, Kelly Jackson, Parris Mason — whose selection is subject to medical clearance — and Karin Burger.
Burger played the final Roses test at wing defence, and Southern Steel captain Kate Heffernan, Claire O’Brien, Kimiora Poi and Maddy Gordon make up the midcourt.
Ameliaranne Ekenasio is still the only specialist goal attack. Maia Wilson was the back-up during the England series.
The Silver Ferns are training against New Zealand A, coached by Waikato-Bay of Plenty coach Mary-Jane Araroa and supported by Central Pulse coach Anna Andrews-Tasola, this week.
They play the Diamonds in a four-test series starting on Sunday in Wellington. The second test is in Auckland on Wednesday, followed by tests in Perth (October 27) and Melbourne (October 30).
• Netball New Zealand is in discussions with Netball Fiji about holding a series in the island nation in January, and they hope Australia will be involved.
The Nations Cup comprising England, New Zealand, Australia, and South Africa usually takes place in England every January but it is not going ahead in 2025.
The England Roses have just come off a tour of Australia and New Zealand and will play Jamaica next month in a new regular fixture in the international calendar.
It is the start of a new series that will feature two tests to be played in England and two in Jamaica for the next four years.
Netball New Zealand chief executive Jennie Wyllie said getting international exposure was important for the Silver Ferns so they wanted to fill the January void.
"The final details are yet to be confirmed with Netball Fiji," Wyllie said.
"And part of what’s been really important for us is to be able to have a Pacific series and to ensure that we get that visibility and opportunity to play against Pacific nations as well. I think it’s really important to be able to demonstrate a presence over there.
"We’re in really advanced discussions around how we pull something like that together for January and be able to use it as an opportunity to give some of our young up-and-coming talent some experience alongside the more seasoned players as we head into the next pinnacle event cycle."
Given Fiji are currently ranked 14th in the world, the series is not going to extend the Silver Ferns, but Netball New Zealand would like to see the world champion Diamonds there as well.
"We would like to be able to have Australia involved. I think that’s the discussion at this point but all of those details are to be confirmed."
Silver Ferns
The squad
Karin Burger, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Maddy Gordon, Kate Heffernan, Kelly Jackson, Phoenix Karaka, Parris Mason*, Erena Mikaere, Grace Nweke, Claire O’Brien, Kimiora Poi, Amelia Walmsley, Maia Wilson. *subject to medical clearance. — Additional reporting RNZ
