HPSNZ refreshes coaching support to strengthen medal campaigns
The new approach places flexibility, connection and coach-centred development at its core. Coaches can access one-to-one support from HPSNZ’s team of five Coach Consultants in a way that best suits their needs, whether through regular engagement across a campaign, quarterly check-ins, or a single targeted conversation.
Support is tailored to each coach’s unique context, challenges and ambitions.
HPSNZ Head of Coaching Nathan Luce says the refreshed programme recognises that coaching excellence is built through strong relationships, continuous learning and meaningful collaboration.
“Our medal-potential coaches are operating in some of the most demanding performance environments in sport. This programme is about providing the right support, at the right time, in the right way. We want coaches to feel connected, challenged and backed throughout their campaign journey.”
The programme is supported by five experienced High Performance Coach Consultants — Christian Penny, Craig Palmer, Angie Dougal, Jody Cameron and Hamish Barton — who bring extensive expertise across high-performance coaching, leadership, campaign planning, coach development and performance environments. Together, they will help coaches navigate the opportunities and challenges that come with pursuing podium performances.
A key feature of the refreshed approach is the Pinnacles Coaching Programme, an integrated coaching system that brings together targeted coach development opportunities while placing coaches in the right environment at the right stage of their campaign journey.
The Pinnacles is designed for developing and medal campaign coaches, helping them build the capability to lead Olympic and Paralympic campaigns and progress from top eight performances toward genuine medal contention.
The Pinnacles will be HPSNZ’s renewed coach accelerator programme, supporting coaches who are already on the edge of medal performance and accelerating their readiness to lead in high-pressure podium environments. The programme is complemented by mentorship pods and workshop opportunities.
The refreshed coaching offer has been introduced through five Coach Connect breakfasts held in Auckland, Cambridge, Christchurch, Dunedin and Wānaka, reconnecting face-to-face with almost 40 coaches supporting around 30 Olympic and Paralympic medal-potential campaigns. The events provided coaches with opportunities to discuss challenges, build connections and learn from one another.
Snow Sports NZ National Freeski Coach Murray Buchan said the breakfast session provided valuable perspectives.
“It was a great opportunity to discuss the greatest challenges I am facing for the next four years and how I might approach them. It was helpful for me to have more experienced coaches share their knowledge and look at the challenges from a different perspective.”
By combining personalised support, stronger coaching networks and targeted development opportunities, HPSNZ’s refreshed coaching programme aims to strengthen the people behind New Zealand’s medal-winning campaigns and build a more connected, capable and sustainable coaching system for the years ahead.