Originally from Makahu, Taranaki, the former Kelly Jury is already stamping her new married name across the netball world.
The 192cm Goalkeeper for the Silver Ferns has joined the ranks of iconic Silver Ferns after she won the prestigious Lois Muir Supreme Award that recognises New Zealand’s best netballer — for the third consecutive year (2022, 2023 and 2024) — a feat that has never before been done. Only one other player has ever secured the accolade three times before — the legendary Laura Langman (2015, 2016 and 2019).
Her consistent, dominant performances, and ability to turn over the ball have seen Mrs Jackson in demand for Australia’s Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) league — widely recognised as the world’s best. She will be playing for the Queensland Firebirds based out of Brisbane, when the SSN starts in March 2026.
But first, she has to play against some of her new team-mates in the four test trans-Tasman test series this October. The first two matches will be played in Australia on the 17th and 22nd while the New Zealand tests will be at Hamilton on the 26th and Christchurch on the 29th.
Known for her disruptive presence in the defensive circle, her ability to read the game, and her strong rebounding and interception skills, Jackson’s consistency, leadership, and unflappable temperament have made her a crucial player for the Silver Ferns.
She debuted for the national team in Feb 2017 as Kelly Jury (her maiden name) and that first year the accolades came thick and fast. She helped the Silver Ferns win the Fast 5 World Title and she claimed another World Title with the NZ U21 netball team.
Over the next six years Kelly claimed two ANZ Premier championships during her six years in the gold and black uniform of the Wellington-based Central Pulse.
When Netball New Zealand’s eligibility rule changed to allow players to be selected for the Silver Ferns from overseas competitions, Kelly was one of the first to be snapped up by the SSN. Four other Silver Ferns have now signed with various Australian teams as New Zealand players who remained in the ANZ Premiership were faced with a dramatic drop in salaries for the coming season.
“Reflecting on my age, where I’m at in my career and, also, NNZ revising the exemption process, it just really felt like an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,’’ Jackson said of her move to the Queensland Firebirds for 2026, where she’ll be wearing purple and orange.
Excited for the new challenge, despite facing the prospect of being separated from her husband Cam, who will remain in Wellington, Kelly said:
“I want to use this opportunity to grow my game, both on and off the court. I think it’s really important to put yourself in uncomfortable positions. I haven’t lived overseas before and obviously haven’t played in that league before, so it’s all going to be very new and a challenge I’m really excited for.’’
Magic Happens in Waikato
The year she first became a Silver Fern (2017) was also the year she met husband-to-be Cameron Jackson at a bar in Hamilton, where Kelly was based while playing for the Waikato Bay of Plenty Magic.
“He came over and asked me for my autograph,” she recounted during an interview last year with Woman’s Day last year. “Which was very weird for me at the time because I didn’t think I was that well-known!”
Another 18 months went by before they ran into each other again and started seeing each other regularly.
During a romantic trip to Fiji in August 2023, Cam proposed with a stunning diamond that Kelly could choose to make into any ring she liked.
“It was such a smart idea,” says Kelly of her chartered accountant partner. “He didn’t want to have the pressure of picking the ring himself and I loved having free rein over what I could choose.”
They wed in February last year on a glorious day in Stratford at a Monday ceremony that they organised in two weeks — from England!
“Honestly, if we’d had two years to plan it instead of two weeks, it couldn’t have been any better.”
Quick Fire
Nickname — Who gave it to you? And how did you get it?
Most of my nicknames have just been derived from my name- Kel, Kels or KJ
My go-to order at the bar is …
During the season: a raspberry lemonade… and off season: vodka lemon lime and bitters
Favourite homemade snack
Crackers and hummus
The book I recommend to people
Open by Andre Agassi
The book I’m reading right now…
I’m not reading one at the moment but I love to read fiction; true stories or biographies.
My idea of happiness
Being content in what I have achieved and what I am doing. Also knowing that my friends and family are healthy and happy
The one thing I always pack
My pillow
Favourite movie
Shawshank Redemption
First job
Since I can remember I have loved helping out and working on Mum and Dad’s farm. Whenever I get any time off I love getting to come home and get out of the farm.
A favourite artwork or furnishing you own..
I was recently given a painting of Mount Taranaki (the Stratford view of course) that was commissioned by local artist Douglas Reid. It sits in its pride of place in the middle of our living room.
Best travel experience …
Going on a safari in Botswana. The people over there are some of the nicest I’ve ever met and seeing all the animals out in the wild is so breathtaking.
… and the worst
We were on our way back from a Silver Ferns tour in South Africa when the 2022 Auckland floods hit. We ended up being stuck in Singapore for three days due to Auckland Airport flooding and during that time I was hit with food poisoning. It’s safe to say I was very thankful to get home after that trip.
On my bedside table you’ll find …
My drink bottle and charger
A great piece of advice
Everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses so never compare yourself to others.
Favourite saying
You get what you get and you don’t get upset
Name a mentor or influence on your life
Casey Kopua
Describe a moment of triumph in your career
One of my favourites would have to be recently beating Australia in Australia during the Constellation series. There’s nothing like beating Aussie on their home soil!
NO PLACE LIKE HOME
My Taranaki coffee hit
I don’t drink coffee, but my go to when I am with friends that do is the Federal store or the Teahouse
Go-to restaurant
If I were in Stratford, Colonel Malones and if I were in New Plymouth, Social Kitchen
Favourite Beach
Back beach
Influential teacher, coach or boss
A teacher and coach of mine at New Plymouth Girls High School – Josie Cleaver
Have you summited Mt Taranaki? Who were you with?
No but it’s definitely on my to-do list
First pet?
My pet lamb Boo Boo
Must-do Taranaki event
The Festival of Lights
Abiding childhood memory
When me and my brothers were younger every now and again our parents would take us on day trips to New Plymouth. We would go to things like the Aquatic Centre, the movies, McDonald’s. It was such a treat and as a country kid it felt like such big deal getting to go to the city for the day.
A special place in Taranaki more people should know about
The Forgotten World Highway