Programme lead Jody Cameron, alongside a talented group of facilitators, welcomed eight women coaches into a three-day immersive experience designed to strengthen identity, connection and strategic capability.
For the first time, the residency was shaped through a Pasifika lens, offering a culturally grounded and reflective approach to high performance coach development.
The opening sessions, led by Fila Fuamatu, created a powerful foundation. Through guided storytelling, cultural framing and value-based reflection, coaches unpacked the journey that led them to Te Hāpaitanga, acknowledging the lived experiences, defining moments and personal strengths that shape who they are as wāhine and as coaches. The session introduced not only individual stories, but a shared sense of purpose and potential among the group.
“It was incredibly rewarding to witness the strength of connections forming almost immediately, connections that will support them through the rest of the programme and well into the future,” says Jody.
Two of the participants shared some of their highlights and key learnings from the residency.
Gabby Olopua, coach of the NZ U16 Women’s Water Polo team, says it was such a highlight not only to share her own journey but to hear the stories of others. “We’ve started to build a support network that I know will last.”
Emma Millar, one of Squash NZ’s National Development coaches, echoed this. “We come from different sports and roles, but what struck me was how similar our challenges are. As one of the few women coaching in squash, being able to connect with others who get it, that was really powerful.”
Building from that strong sense of identity and belonging, the focus of the residency moved into the strategic space—campaign planning in high performance sport.
Tony Readings, Assistant Coach of the All Whites and a seasoned leader in elite coaching environments, led an in-depth workshop that formed the backbone of the residency. Coaches were introduced to frameworks and tools to design, lead, and deliver performance campaigns, whether across a season, a major tournament cycle, or within daily training environments.
The session challenged them to think critically about preparation, performance identity, resourcing, and decision-making under pressure, all the while keeping athlete needs and system navigation front and centre.
The coaches engaged with real-life scenarios and peer feedback to pressure test their planning and leadership instincts.
“It was a powerful shift from personal reflection into applied strategy, aligning who they are as coaches with how they lead for performance,” says Jody.
A brief overview of New Zealand’s Women in High Performance Sport strategy by Helene Wilson added broader context to the systemic change underway and helped link the coaches’ development to national priorities for gender equity and coaching capability.
The residency culminated with a lived experience presentation from Janey Charlton, a Te Hāpaitanga alumna and Athlete Development Manager at Rowing NZ. Janey’s story brought it all together – how identity, clarity of planning and navigating system change converge in real-world leadership.
For both Gabby and Emma, the residency affirmed their growth and ambition.
“I gained a deeper understanding that the coaching journey is not linear,” says Gabby. “Fila’s facilitation helped me re-centre who I am and Tony’s session gave me the tools to plan ahead with more confidence and structure.”
Emma says it gave her the courage to back herself more. “I’m ready to take risks that align with my strategy and values, and lead with intent.”
Both coaches are looking ahead.
“With squash now in the Olympics, I’d love to coach at that level,” says Emma. “But first, I want to be the first New Zealand woman to coach our Commonwealth Games team.”
For Gabby, looking ahead means she wants to keep growing in performance coaching. “Water Polo is in a great place right now, and I want to be part of helping our athletes, and our coaches, get to the next level.”
The next residency for the Te Hāpaitanga 2025/26 cohort will be held 29–31 July.
