Mainland Tactix

Original logo of the Canterbury Flames.

The ANZ Championship was founded in 2007 as the new elite domestic netball competition in New Zealand and Australia. It replaced the National Bank Cup in New Zealand and the Commonwealth Bank Trophy in Australia, which both played their final season in 2007. When the new trans-Tasman competition was announced, the competition was reported to feature five teams from each country. For the new competition, five New Zealand franchises were formed from amalgamations of National Bank Cup teams. A franchise based in Canterbury was an obvious selection. They were a direct replacement of the Canterbury Flames from the NBC.

The Tactix, like most of the New Zealand-based teams, struggled in their first season, ending up a disappointing 8th. They were coached by Helen Mahon-Stroud and were captained by ex-Silver Fern captain, Julie Seymour.

Tactix had their most successful year yet in 2009, finishing a respectful 6th, picking up several famous wins along the way. The Tactix have since come 10th every year since.

2010 saw the retirement of veteran Julie Seymour, and the Tactix finished last for the first time. Maree Bowden took up the captaincy for 2010, while Donna Wilkins co-captained in 2011. 2011 saw the 2011 Christchurch earthquake which severely disrupted their season, leaving them with another wooden spoon, despite having a decent team on paper. 2011 import Kasey Evering suffered an ACL injury midseason, leaving the defence end light.

The fallout from the earthquake continued, with recruitment made harder, and finances difficult and the city was in rebuild mode. Tactix were allowed a second import to help balance this, although Stacey Francis was injured for most of the season. Joanne Harten was the other import signed for the 2012 season, along with Elizabeth Manu from the Central Pulse and midcourter Keshia Grant, to go with the remaining members from previous years. Helen Mahon-Stroud stood down from the job, and ex-Silver Ferns coach Leigh Gibbs was named as head coach, a position she has retained for the 2013 season.

Regardless, the Tactix finished last for the third time running, although they did win two games (2010 and 2011 yielded only one win each) and managed to beat an Australian team for the first time since 2009 (the NSW Swifts).

The Tactix have made several changes for the 2013 season (including their region name), mainly to cover the loss of captain Maree Bowden, and Anna Galvan, who have both retired. They were once again allowed two imports, which they used to re-sign English shooter Joanne Harten, and also the English captain and former Northern Mystics midcourter Jade Clarke. They have also signed Silver Ferns squad member Julianna Naoupu in place of foundation member Ellen Halpenny.

Competed as the "Canterbury Flames".

• 1998: 3rd
• 1999: 6th
• 2000: 2nd
• 2001: 2nd
• 2002: 2nd
• 2003: 6th
• 2004: 2nd
• 2005: 6th
• 2006: 4th
• 2007: 5th