The Silver Ferns are eager to face a tough Australian challenge after completing an impressive 2016 Taini Jamison Trophy series whitewash.
New Zealand captain Katrina Grant lifted the coveted silverware for her team at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre last night after beating the Jamaican Sunshine Girls 66-38 in the final series match.
The Ferns won the Jamaica series 3-0 after a previous wins in Palmerston North (61-38 on Wednesday) and Nelson (72-34 last Sunday).
Coach Janine Southby, in her first season as Silver Ferns coach, praised Jamaica's "spirited performances".
"We knew that Jamaica would have a go and credit to them especially in the second and third matches," she said.
The Sunshine Girls greatly improved over the series, clearly highlighted in the first quarter in Rotorua, with Jamaica tightening their through-court defence to disrupt New Zealand's rhythm and flow into the shooting circle.
"They pounced on any mistakes and took the game to us," Southby said. "And in attack they made no mistake."
"The second quarter we came out and played like we should have done all the way through.
Image 1 of 13: Silver Ferns player Bailey Mes. Photo/Ben Fraser
"I was really proud about how they took that on and in the third and fourth quarter I though we were pretty consistent with the goals ticking over and we got a lot of ball on defence."
"It's a good learning experience and we can certainly take a lot of positives from the series."
Southby said the team's Jamaican series had put them in good stead to face Australia in the four test series in the Constellation Cup next month.
"It's a good thing the Sunshine Girls tested us. We need to be challenged," she said.
"We have a tough test coming up against Australia so it's a good reminder that you can't just let it slide.
"We don't have a lot of time to prepare for Australia as a group so it's up to us as individuals to go away from here and keep living those Silver Ferns' standards."
Southby said consistency in attack was one of the key areas for improvements.
"In attack it looks amazing and at times it doesn't so for us it is about developing that consistency," she said.
"It's about having that innate understanding of each other. The big thing has been about building connections.
"We are trying to keep it fresh, keep it energised and we know coming up against Australia we have some very hard work to do.
"The team must keep driving it. I believe in these girls. They have great potential and I don't think we will have to wait two years to see that on the court."
Silver Ferns captain Katrina Grant added a "new culture" had been started in the inexperienced squad.
"It's a very new group. We are learning a lot at training and this week has taught us how to travel train and play under fatigue," she said.
"It's been a very tight week so it will serve us well against Australia.
"At the moment we are balancing the fun well in the side. Against Australia it may be a completely different kettle of fish but there is great potential here.
"I'm really enjoying myself as captain. We are building a whole new culture at the moment. There is a way to go but we have made positive strides forward."
The Ferns now have three weeks before the Constellation Cup against Australia starts on October 9 in Sydney.
