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New Zealand Phoenix Karaka is a New Zealand netball international known for her defensive prowess and leadership, having represented her country in multiple World Cups and Commonwealth Games.
Phoenix Karaka is a powerhouse on and off the netball court and the newest addition to the WeAreTENZING whānau!
Silver Ferns defender Phoenix Karaka has become the first netballer to receive funding, professional support and promotion through the SKY NEXT programme.
Netball North Harbour Centre, with Phoenix Karaka from the Northern Mystics to highlight 'Fairplay' in netball. This collaboration emphasizes sportsmanship and positive participation.
Official vehicle sponsor of the Northern Mystics.
Born in Otahuhu, New Zealand, in 1993, Phoenix Karaka has established herself as a prominent figure in international netball, particularly recognized for her role as a defender. Her early career saw her rise through the ranks, participating in the NZ Secondary Schools and NZ Under-21 teams. A significant milestone in her youth career was being part of the victorious Under-21 side at the Youth World Cup in Glasgow in 2013. This early success laid the groundwork for her professional journey, which commenced with her first professional contract with Southern Steel for the 2013 ANZ Championship season. She continued to play for Southern Steel for three seasons, where her consistent performance, including ranking third overall for intercepts in the 2015 ANZ Championship, led to her signing with the Central Pulse in 2016.
Karaka’s international debut for New Zealand, known as the Silver Ferns, occurred in 2014 during a tour of the UK. Initially selected as a training partner, she quickly moved into the main squad due to injuries and made her test debut against England. Her career with the Silver Ferns includes winning the 2019 Netball World Cup. Outside of international play, Karaka has also been a key player for the Northern Mystics, serving as captain in 2019 and 2020. After taking time off for the birth of her first child, she made a strong return, demonstrating a consistently high standard of performance with the Mystics in 2022 and rejoining the Silver Ferns for the 2022 Netball Quad Series and the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where the team secured a bronze medal. Her ability to move between in-circle defensive positions, combined with her athleticism and strong ball-handling skills, makes her a versatile and impactful player.
Throughout her career, Karaka has developed into a distinguished defender, characterized by her tight marking, aerial ability, and acute sense of awareness for intercepts. Her leadership and high performance were evident in her return to the court after childbirth, leading the Mystics from the front. She played a key role in the FAST5 Ferns’ success at the 2016 FAST5 World Series, highlighting her versatility and adaptability in different netball formats. Karaka’s career is marked by steady progression, from her foundational years in age-group netball to becoming a respected international player and captain, maintaining a high level of play even after significant life events.
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