Three more NSOs begin priority pathway initiatives
The new framework is a cornerstone of HPSNZ’s 2025–2028 strategy and aims to strengthen the long term athlete pipeline by focusing on six pillars: leadership, pathway clarity, athlete development, coaching, daily training environments and investment. Priority initiatives funded through TAB’s one off $2.5 million investment are designed to create greater clarity, stronger development environments, and more consistent support for emerging athletes and coaches.
Across the three newly onboarded NSOs, a shared theme is emerging: all emphasise the value of targeted coaching, clearer development pathways, and earlier connection to the high performance system. Each organisation, however, is applying these principles in a way that directly reflects the needs of its sport.
Equestrian Sports New Zealand’s initiative supports their dedicated High Performance Pathway Manager for Eventing, responsible for coaching guidance, mentoring, performance planning and day-to-day support for emerging riders.
High Performance Director Jock Paget says the role fills a critical gap in the sport’s long term system.
“A dedicated high performance pathway role for eventing is an important step in strengthening the long-term depth of our programme. It enables targeted coaching, mentoring and performance planning for emerging athletes, while connecting them earlier into the high performance system so they understand what world class preparation requires.”
He says with Brisbane 2032 on the horizon, a strong New Zealand based programme will be essential for combinations preparing from the Southern Hemisphere.
Yachting NZ’s priority initiative focuses on coaching continuity and athlete robustness across doublehanded classes, new-to-class sailors, and across youth and Olympic classes.
The support will make a tangible difference for future campaigners says High Performance Athlete Development Manager, Geoff Woolley.
“This support allows us to strengthen coaching and key support services within the pathway, directly benefiting athletes targeting the 2032 Games and beyond.”
He highlights that when elite sailors and coaches are overseas, development athletes can experience coaching gaps.
“The initiative ensures more consistent domestic coaching and enables the organisation to embed targeted strength and conditioning programmes for youth and development squads.”
Cycling NZ is embedding high performance development coaches within its HP programme, enabling them to travel nationally to work with athletes and coaches in regional environments. This decentralised approach keeps riders in their home environments longer while maintaining alignment with national HP expectations.
High Performance Director Craig Mustard says the initiative underpins long term Olympic sustainability.
“By investing in regional environments and supporting the development of both riders and coaches across the country, we strengthen the pathway from community and club programmes into the national HP system.
“This approach ensures a sustainable pipeline of athletes and coaches progressing toward international performance outcomes in 2028, 2032 and beyond.”
The programme also includes targeted benchmarking, individual performance plans and structured development camps throughout the year.
HPSNZ Head of Performance Pathways, Tracey Paterson, says the three sports’ initiatives show the framework working exactly as intended.
“It’s exciting to see priority initiatives now in place that directly reflect the six pillars of the new pre-HP Development Framework.
“It’s also encouraging to see sports making strategic shifts that will strengthen New Zealand’s performance pathway for years to come.”