The Silver Ferns face the prospect of being without several players for the upcoming England series, should Auckland fail to get out of lockdown in time.
New Zealand are scheduled to play a three test series against England in Christchurch starting on Monday 20 September.
However with Auckland set to remain in level 4 until 14 September and unlikely to move to level 2 to allow regional travel before the series, it could mean the Auckland-based Silver Ferns won't be able to get to Christchurch in time.
Three members of the 17 strong squad are Auckland based - shooter Grace Nweke, midcourter Peta Toeava and defender Sulu Fitzpatrick.
While the rest of the country is in level 3 and regional travel is not allowed, that restriction is expected to be lifted in time for the bulk of the squad to head to Christchurch.
Grace Nweke could be denied the opportunity to make her Silver Ferns debut against England Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport Ltd 2021
Netball New Zealand says it's working with the Ministry of Health and Sport New Zealand to evaluate the situation and has a number of options.
RNZ understands those options include getting travel exemptions for Nweke, Toeava and Fitzpatrick to head to Christchurch, simply going ahead with the tests without the trio, or delaying the England tests until they're available.
The Silver Ferns have already had to cancel a series of regional training camps which means England, despite being in MIQ in Christchurch, will have a better build up to the series.
The England squad will leave quarantine on 10 September when they will be able to train together as a team.
-RNZ
