This week has been one of "reflections" for Easiyo Tactix stalwart Maree Bowden, but she will be ready to signal a new beginning when the mid-courter steps on court at the ANZ Championship pre-season tournament in Tauranga.

Bowden has been a member of the Canterbury Tactix franchise since the ANZ Championship started in 2008 but found last season one of her toughest after her hometown was rocked by a devastating earthquake on February 22.

She and her team-mates were training at headquarters at QEII Stadium when the earthquake hit and spent the season juggling the aftermath of the natural disaster both at home and in the Tactix environment.

This week marked the one year anniversary of the earthquake and Bowden said there had been a lot of "reflections" on what was a "pretty tough season".

"It's amazing how well we got through last year under the circumstances," she said. "But things are getting back to normal and it has been great to have that extra time together this season with the ANZ Championship starting again in March. "We can't wait to get that first feel for it at the pre-season next week in Tauranga."

The last time all 10 teams came together for a pre-season tournament was in Sydney when the championship was in its first year.

"It's really nice get all the teams together and you get a chance to catch-up?.and then it's down to business," Bowden said with a laugh.

Bowden is again one of the senior members of the Tactix squad which will be coached for the first time by former Silver Ferns coach Leigh Gibbs.

"Leigh was the first coach I had when I started playing for the Canterbury Flames in the old competition way back in 1999," Bowden said.

"It's been really nice having her back on board and she and Jules (assistant coach Julie Seymour) are ready to take this team in new direction. "The players have been responding well and we can't wait to get out on court."

The Tactix have two imports this season with English shooter Jo Harten and defender Stacey Francis set to play their first ANZ Championship season.

"I can't speak highly enough of how well the girls have fitted in here and they're just as excited to get a taste of the championship," Bowden said.

The pre-season tournament features all 10 teams. They will be split into two pools with the Tactix in pool B alongside the LG Northern Mystics, Haier Pulse, Adelaide Thunderbirds and Melbourne Vixens. The First Windows and Doors Waikato-BOP Magic, Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel, NSW Swifts, West Coast Fever and Queensland Firebirds make up pool A.

Competition begins at the new TECT Arena in Tauranga on March 2.

ANZ Championship 2012 season:

The 2012 ANZ Championship season commences on Sunday 31 March.