World Netball has announced the officials for the 2026 Constellation Cup between the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand Silver Ferns. Alison Harrison and Gary Burgess have been appointed as umpires, while David Pala’amo and Michelle Phippard will handle Umpire Appointments Panel (UAP) responsibilities for the New Zealand and Australian legs, respectively. Four reserve umpires have also been assigned across the four-match series.
The 2026 Constellation Cup officials announcement, published on 17 October 2026, confirms the officiating arrangements for one of international netball’s major trans-Tasman contests. With matches scheduled in Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney and Melbourne, the appointments cover the series from its opening fixture through to the final match.
Who Are the Officials for the 2026 Constellation Cup?
World Netball has confirmed the following officials for the series:
| Role | Official | Assignment |
|---|---|---|
| UAP | David Pala’amo | New Zealand matches |
| UAP | Michelle Phippard | Australian matches |
| Umpire | Alison Harrison | Constellation Cup series |
| Umpire | Gary Burgess | Constellation Cup series |
| Reserve umpire | Ken Metekingi | Match 1 |
| Reserve umpire | Kristie Simpson | Match 2 |
| Reserve umpire | Bronwen Adams | Match 3 |
| Reserve umpire | Georgina Sulley-Beales | Match 4 |
These appointments outline the officiating arrangements for all four fixtures. The series begins in New Zealand before moving to Australia for the final two matches.
Constellation Cup 2026 Umpires and UAP Assignments
The confirmed appointments identify both the umpires and the UAP representatives responsible for the respective legs of the series.
David Pala’amo: New Zealand Match Assignments
David Pala’amo has been assigned to the New Zealand leg, covering the opening matches in Auckland and Christchurch.
The Silver Ferns will host the Diamonds in Auckland on 18 October, followed by the second match in Christchurch on 21 October. These fixtures open the four-match series before the teams travel to Australia.
Michelle Phippard: Australian Match Assignments
Michelle Phippard has been assigned to the Australian leg of the competition.
The Diamonds will host the Silver Ferns in Sydney on 25 October, with the final match scheduled for Melbourne on 28 October. These two fixtures complete the series.
Understanding World Netball Umpire Appointments
World Netball umpire appointments help establish the officiating arrangements for international matches. The organisation provides guidance and processes for international appointments, supporting consistent officiating across competitions.
Umpires are responsible for applying the rules, managing play and making decisions in a fast-paced environment. Their work is central to maintaining fair competition, particularly in high-level matches where small decisions can have a significant impact.
Australia vs New Zealand Netball Officials: Reserve Appointments
Reserve umpires are included in the official arrangements for each match. World Netball has assigned one reserve to every fixture in the 2026 Constellation Cup.
The appointments are:
Match 1: Ken Metekingi — Auckland, 18 October.
Match 2: Kristie Simpson — Christchurch, 21 October.
Match 3: Bronwen Adams — Sydney, 25 October.
Match 4: Georgina Sulley-Beales — Melbourne, 28 October.
Reserve appointments provide additional officiating support. However, being named as a reserve does not necessarily mean an official will replace an appointed umpire during the match.
The announcement completes the list of named Australia vs New Zealand netball officials for the series, covering the umpires, UAP representatives and match-specific reserves.
2026 Constellation Cup Match Schedule and Venues
The 2026 Constellation Cup match schedule features four matches across two countries. New Zealand hosts the opening two fixtures, followed by two matches in Australia.
| Match | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Sunday, 18 October 2026 | Spark Arena, Auckland |
| Match 2 | Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | Wolfbrook Arena, Christchurch |
| Match 3 | Sunday, 25 October 2026 | Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney |
| Match 4 | Wednesday, 28 October 2026 | John Cain Arena, Melbourne |
The home-and-away format gives both teams two matches on home soil. The first two games take place in New Zealand, while the final two are held in Australia.
Fans planning to attend should check official ticketing information and venue announcements before travelling. Viewers should also confirm local broadcast details, as coverage may differ by country.
For additional fixtures and event information, visit upcoming netball events and fixtures. Readers can also follow the latest netball news, results and match recaps for updates throughout the series.
Why Official Appointments Matter in International Netball
International netball requires officials to make quick, consistent decisions while managing the pace and physicality of the game. Umpires oversee areas such as contact, obstruction, footwork and the application of the rules.
Their responsibilities extend beyond individual decisions. Clear communication, positioning and teamwork help officials manage the game effectively and maintain consistency throughout a match.
The appointment of reserve umpires also forms part of the officiating arrangements for the competition. Together, these roles support the delivery of international matches and help ensure that the required officiating personnel are identified in advance.
The announcement also gives supporters a clearer picture of the people responsible for overseeing the four fixtures between the Diamonds and the Silver Ferns.
What Fans Should Know Before the Constellation Cup
Before the series gets underway, fans should remember these key details:
Appointed umpires: Alison Harrison and Gary Burgess.
New Zealand UAP representative: David Pala’amo.
Australian UAP representative: Michelle Phippard.
Reserve umpires: Ken Metekingi, Kristie Simpson, Bronwen Adams and Georgina Sulley-Beales.
Series dates: 18, 21, 25 and 28 October 2026.
Host cities: Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney and Melbourne.
Supporters should use official sources for the latest information on venues, tickets, broadcast availability and any subsequent changes to match arrangements.
For broader competition context, readers can explore World Netball rankings and match statistics to follow international team performances and results. For more netball coverage, visit the global home of netball.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the umpires for the 2026 Constellation Cup?
Alison Harrison and Gary Burgess are the umpires named in World Netball’s announcement for the 2026 Constellation Cup.
Who are the reserve umpires for each match?
Ken Metekingi is assigned to Match 1, Kristie Simpson to Match 2, Bronwen Adams to Match 3 and Georgina Sulley-Beales to Match 4.
When does the 2026 Constellation Cup take place?
The four matches are scheduled for 18 and 21 October in New Zealand, followed by 25 and 28 October in Australia.
Where will the matches be played?
The scheduled venues are Spark Arena in Auckland, Wolfbrook Arena in Christchurch, Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney and John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
Conclusion: Officials Confirmed for the 2026 Constellation Cup
World Netball’s announcement confirms the officiating appointments for the 2026 Constellation Cup, including umpires Alison Harrison and Gary Burgess, UAP representatives David Pala’amo and Michelle Phippard, and four reserve umpires.
With matches scheduled across Auckland, Christchurch, Sydney and Melbourne, the series will bring the Australian Diamonds and New Zealand Silver Ferns together for four fixtures in October. Fans can follow official channels for match information and further updates as the series progresses.
For more international netball news, results and fixtures, visit Netball.com.
