FIH Junior World Ranking: 12

How they qualified: 2nd Place – Junior Oceania Cup 2022

Junior World Cup history: 2016 – 13th, 2013 – 9th, 2009 – 10th, 2001 – 5th, 1989 – 9th

New Zealand were unable to qualify for the 2022 Junior World Cup in South Africa due to the continued fall-out of the covid-19 global health pandemic, which resulted in the cancellation of the 2021 Junior Oceania Cup. The Junior Black Sticks will be thrilled to return to the fold at Santiago 2023, which will be their sixth Junior World Cup campaign after Santiago 2016, Mönchengladbach 2013, Boston 2009, Buenos Aires 2001, and Ottawa 1989. The team were beaten to the title by hosts Australia at the Junior Oceania Cup 2022 in Canberra, drawing the opening game against the Jillaroos before falling to 4-2 and 3-2 defeats. Team captain Hannah Cotter is likely to be a player to watch, having made 19 appearances and scored five goals for the senior Black Sticks side.