Building NZ’s athlete pipeline for the future: The NSO Pre-HP Development Pathway

And the first two NSOs to submit an application – Rowing NZ and Swimming NZ – are already up and running with their key initiatives under the new framework.

Supporting NSOs to develop athletes for future High Performance success within their Performance Pathway is a cornerstone of HPSNZ’s 2025–2028 strategy. Performance pathways are designed to prepare athletes for repeatable podium success at pinnacle events, including Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

HPSNZ’s Head of Performance Pathways, Tracey Paterson, says the development focused approach moves away from fragmented, age-based models toward a campaign-led, athlete-centred, coach-enabled system.

“It’s about creating clarity, intent, a person first approach with an uncompromising long term performance focus while reflecting New Zealand’s identity: agile, values-driven, inclusive, and ruthlessly competitive when it counts.

“We’re asking NSOs to lead with ownership and strategic clarity. This means clear NSO development plans aligned to future high performance success, and tailored support for athletes and coaches. The goal is to create environments that accelerate growth and prepare athletes for the demands of future high performance, where possible close to home support, setting them up for both sport and life success” says Tracey.

The new approach focuses on six pillars: leadership, pathway clarity, athlete development, coaching, daily training environments (DTEs), and investment.

“Ultimately, these plans are geared to readiness for high performance,” says Tracey. “That means understanding campaign opportunities, mapping athlete journeys, and ensuring the right support at the right time.”

Thanks to TAB funding of $2.5 million, HPSNZ can support NSOs to implement priority initiatives over the next three years. This is a one-off investment, so sustainability planning is critical.

“We knew the funding wouldn’t be huge, but it’s an insurance policy for Brisbane 2032,” Tracey says. “It allows us to partner with sports on the key shifts they’ve identified and the initiatives that will make the biggest difference.”

Rowing NZ will appoint six to eight regional development coaches, strengthening year-round athlete monitoring using tools like TrainingPeaks and CrewLab, and build relationships with regional performance support teams.

Coaching Development Manager for Rowing NZ Rebecca Beattie says the funding through the new HP Development Framework will ensure the sport is able to access high quality coaches in the regions.

“This will provide quality daily training environments to help progress athletes through the pathway.”

While the regions are yet to be finalised, areas that are home to main universities – Auckland, Waikato, Christchurch and Dunedin – will be at the forefront of the initiative as it means rowers who are located there will have access to quality coaching over winter.

“Rowers will be supported where they are over winter which aligns with our athlete’s preparing for international campaigns and the Rowing NZ Pathway trial,” says Rebecca.

Helping swimmers fulfil their potential in the transition from junior to senior international success is the key shift Swimming NZ is seeking through its HP Development Framework initiatives.

This will be driven by specialised physical conditioning, building sustainable daily training environments, providing experience in tough international competitions, embedding consistent campaign planning and strengthening HP coaching capacity.

Swimming NZ Head of High Performance, Graeme Maw, says historically New Zealand swimming has produced some great, world beating junior swimmers but the step up to senior international level has proven challenging.

“We’ve always had junior swimmers on the podium at international events and our current group is no exception,” says Graeme.

“This new development framework and funding will allow us to provide our junior swimmers with tailored support to help bring their very real talent to fruition. Critical support in the transition phase will help them make that shift successfully.