A few of New Zealand's provinces have announced their first round of contracted players. Here is a look at all the updates ahead of the upcoming season.

They are coming off a good 2023-24 season, where Hinds made it to the Super Smash final in the summer, and took a mid-table finish from a weather-affected one-day campaign.

"As a team and as an association, first and foremost we're obviously thrilled for Natalie and her husband at this special time in their lives," Central Districts high-performance manager Dave Meiring said. "We completely support Natalie's decision to focus on family this summer, and it now presents an opportunity for others to put everything they have learned from her into practice on the field.

"She isn't retiring but, for now, it will be a case of several players stepping up to perform her usual roles."

Anna is the only new name on the initial list of 12 players contracted for the 2024-25 season, with one name to be added later this month to fill the 13th and final spot in the group.

The captain hasn't been announced so far, but of the squad named, New Zealand international Hannah Rowe has previously led the team.

Contracted players: Aniela Apperley, Georgia Atkinson, Ocean Bartlett, Flora Devonshire, Anna Gaging, Kate Gaging, Claudia Green, Mikaela Greig, Ashtuti Kumar, Emma McLeod, Thamsyn Newton, Kerry Tomlinson NZC contracts: Rosemary Mair, Hannah Rowe

"We're committed to developing our young talent and ensuring they have the support and guidance needed to thrive at this level," head coach Rhys Morgan said. "The experience our senior players bring will be invaluable in helping our younger players grow and contribute to the team's success."

Contracted players: Kate Anderson, Sarah Asmussen, Missy Banks, Natalie Cox, Jodie Dean, Harriet Graham, Abigail Hotton, Laura Hughes, Frankie Mackay, Izzy Sharp, Jess Simmons, Gabby Sullivan