New Zealander · Auckland, New Zealand · Born 6 November 1993New Zealand defender who won the 2019 Netball World Cup and has been a senior defensive presence for the Silver Ferns and Northern Mystics.
Phoenix Karaka was born on 6 November 1993 in Auckland, New Zealand, the daughter of former New Zealand netball international Christine Papali'i, and attended Auckland Girls' Grammar School before progressing through the New Zealand Secondary Schools and Under-21 representative sides. Karaka began her senior domestic career with the Southern Steel in 2013, before moving to the Central Pulse and later the Northern Mystics, developing into one of the most physically imposing and reliable defenders in New Zealand netball, playing primarily at goal keeper and goal defence. Karaka made her senior debut for the Silver Ferns in 2014, and delivered the standout achievement of her international career in 2019, helping New Zealand win the Netball World Cup on home soil, one of the most celebrated moments in the country's netball history. Karaka has continued to be recognised as one of New Zealand netball's most established leaders, named among a generation of players — alongside contemporaries including Whitney Souness — credited with sustaining the sport's strong Māori and Pasifika presence within the national programme.
Silver Fern defender and World Cup champion
Career Honours
- 2019 Netball World Cup gold
- 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze
- ANZ Premiership titles 2021, 2023
New Zealander Athletes