Wellbeing programme continues to evolve
According to Wellbeing and Engagement Lead Dr Toni Minniti, the programme continues to be anchored by three key pillars – framework and guidelines, measurement, and investment – while steadily expanding its suite of resources and support initiatives.
One of the most significant recent developments is the launch of new guidance specifically designed to support Para athletes across their high performance journey.
Developed in collaboration with HPSNZ’s Performance Life team, the wellbeing community of practice, psychologists, and Para athlete representatives, the resource responds to a recognised gap in wellbeing support at a systems level.
“Over the past three years we’ve built strong foundations,” says Toni. “Now we’re able to develop more tailored resources that address the unique needs of specific groups and experiences within the system.”
The new Para athlete guidance joins a growing collection of resources available through the Wellbeing Programme Resources Hub, which has recently been refreshed to organise content across the “In, Through and Beyond” stages of an athlete’s journey. The hub includes onboarding, selection and offboarding guidance, as well as practical planning tools for sports organisations.
“It’s great to see the development of Para athlete specific resources by HPSNZ, which can provide further reference points to better understand the often individual requirements of each Para athlete, coupled with the wider unique requirements of Para sport, such as classification,” said Paralympics New Zealand CEO Greg Warnecke.
“This enhanced combination of focus on health and wellbeing can certainly contribute to creating a performance advantage, ensuring each Para athlete is able to both prepare and perform at their best, with the right support around them, but also have a positive high performance experience.”
Alongside resource development, the team continues to expand its Training to Refer initiative, with sessions already delivered to several podium sports this year and further workshops planned for podium, aspirational and team sports.
The programme’s wellbeing measurement work is also gaining momentum.
This year, 22 sports participated in the wellbeing scan, up from 18 in 2025, with 506 completed surveys from 725 invitations, a response rate of 70 percent.
Looking ahead, the Wellbeing Programme team is building and refining its body of resources and new education initiatives including publication of some current research, such as a collaboration on supporting coach wellbeing. There will continue to be a focus on investing in sport-led lead wellbeing projects to strengthen wellbeing support across New Zealand’s high performance system.