That was a core reason that led to dynamic Mainland Tactix captain Kimiora Poi making the bold move to the Southern Steel for the 2025 season.
Poi, 26, adds huge depth to the Steel’s midcourt and brings a wealth of experience.
The centre-wing attack spent the past seven years with the Tactix, captaining them in recent seasons, and played seven games for the former Collingwood Magpies in Australia’s Super Netball in 2019.
Internationally, Poi earned 10 caps for the Silver Ferns from 2019 to 2022, and recently earned a Silver Ferns trial.
She has also played for New Zealand A, was part of the Fast5 Ferns who won the world series in 2018, and was in the New Zealand under-21 side who won the Netball World Youth Cup in 2017.
Leaving the Tactix was not easy — but it was time to try something new.
"Still a bit of mixed emotions," Poi told the Otago Daily Times yesterday. "I think it’s not really going to sink in, I don’t think fully, until it actually happens that I have to move.
"Just excited . . . to see what moving down to the Steel can bring."
Poi said she did not want to look back on her career and wonder if she should have experienced something new.
"That was something behind part of the reason why I chose to take a leap of faith and kind of get out of my comfort zone, challenge myself a bit down with the Steel."
A new challenge was also a driving force behind her decision, and helping the Steel, who have struggled in recent years, get back on track was exciting.
Alongside the fresh challenge, the Steel felt like a good fit considering they had midcourt space available and a chance to grow connections with international players, Poi said.
"Playing with Kate Heffernan was obviously a draw as well.
"She’s been in the Ferns for a little while and kind of a well-established Ferns player, so I guess growing a bit of a combination with her may help . . . things happen maybe in the future."
New Steel head coach Wendy Frew was excited by Poi’s involvement.
"Kimiora ignites play and creates opportunities," Frew said.
"When you have someone of her calibre in the mix, everyone is fuelled by that energy and it will be fantastic to add her skills to our roster," she said.
"She has a lot of attacking flair and backs that up with some strong defence for crucial intercepts. Her work rate is exceptional on the court and I’m excited to have her as part of the Steel."
