Former Silver Ferns Captain Ana Noovao Dies Aged 58
- Ana Noovao, a former captain of the New Zealand national netball team, died on Sunday, August 10, 2026, at age 58.
- The announcement was made via a social media page for Cook Islands bereavement and memorial notices.
- Noovao's family requested patience while funeral arrangements are finalized, according to the statement from Manuia.
Ana Noovao, a former captain of the New Zealand national netball team, died on Sunday, August 10, 2026, at age 58. Noovao played 23 games for the Silver Ferns and later served as a player and coach for the Cook Islands national side, according to reporting from Stuff and The Post.
The announcement was made via a social media page for Cook Islands bereavement and memorial notices. In a message posted on behalf of the family, Kia Manuia described the passing of Noovao as peaceful and identified her as a beloved mum, daughter, sister, grandmother, aunty, and friend.
Noovao’s family requested patience while funeral arrangements are finalized, according to the statement from Manuia.
Silver Ferns career and captaincy
Noovao established herself as a midcourt dynamo early in her career. She captained the New Zealand U21 team during the 1987 World Youth Championships before making her debut for the Silver Ferns in 1989, according to The Post.
She was a member of the squad that competed in the 1991 Netball World Cup final, where New Zealand suffered a one-goal loss to Australia. Following the retirement of Waimarama Taumaunu, Noovao was appointed captain of the Silver Ferns in 1992, The Post reported.
Netball NZ’s official profile described Noovao as a “strong and mobile attacker with a calm temperament”. The organization characterized her as an “exceptionally gifted player at a young age with her natural creativity, deft movement and feeding ability”.
International impact with the Cook Islands
Beyond her tenure with New Zealand, Noovao contributed to the development of netball in the Cook Islands. She served the national side in both playing and coaching capacities, according to The Post.
Under her leadership as coach, the Cook Islands achieved a seventh-place finish at the 2007 World Cup, a result The Post described as notable.
Noovao also remained active in the sport through domestic coaching roles within New Zealand, including work at Alfriston College, as noted in reporting by Stuff.