Wellbeing Investment Fund strengthening system capability
Until now, most investment has focused on foundational system work establishing wellbeing lead roles, conducting scoping reviews and embedding core policies and frameworks.
HPSNZ Wellbeing and Engagement Lead Toni Minniti says the sector is now ready for the next phase.
“People have spent the last three years building foundations. We’re now seeing sports come forward with more bespoke, creative projects that build on that systemic work,” she says.
Current initiatives from Rowing New Zealand (water safety) and Swimming New Zealand (3 interconnected initiatives) show how the fund is enabling targeted projects that strengthen wellbeing, safety and performance across high performance environments.
Rowing NZ: Strengthening water safety capability
Rowing NZ is using the fund to undertake a comprehensive upgrade of its high performance water safety systems. The project includes an independent capability review, emergency response training, digital logbook development and new induction resources.
Rowing NZ Wellbeing Lead Louise Storey says the initiative is essential.
“Having a higher level of water safety is not only a must, but it ensures everyone feels safe out on the water,” she says. “We want to be the gold standard in New Zealand.”
The review has already begun, with athletes, coaches, and staff contributing insights. Louise emphasises the long-term value.
“This can’t be a one and done. The train the trainer model means we’re upskilling our people so we can run our own safety reviews and emergency response training in future.”
Swimming NZ: Building capability across the aquatic community
Swimming NZ is implementing three interconnected initiatives: a Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing (DIW) Manager role, a Member Protection project, and the Aquatics Collective shared services model.
Swimming NZ Wellbeing Lead Cherie Harris says the fund has been pivotal.
“Swimming New Zealand would not have been able to have a wellbeing role if not for this fund. It’s absolutely critical,” she says.
The DIW role supports athletes, coaches, and staff across Olympic, Paralympic, Virtus (International Federation for athletes with an intellectual impairment) and development pathways, with new work underway to strengthen wellbeing support for female coaches.
The Member Protection initiative is equally significant. It focuses on triaging and supporting internal investigations, reviewing policies, and ensuring safe, respectful environments across clubs and regions.
“It’s crucial to the efficiency of systems from grassroots through to high performance,” says Cherie.
The third initiative, the Aquatics Collective, will develop shared wellbeing resources for swimming, diving, water polo, and artistic swimming. A digital platform will allow staff and athletes to anonymously access support.
“The funding is a fantastic start and we’re very grateful to HPSNZ for enabling this work.”
Together, these types of initiatives show how targeted investment can strengthen wellbeing, safety, and performance across the system, one tailored project at a time.
“Wherever we can, we want to help sports build systems that genuinely support their people. These initiatives show what’s possible when wellbeing is treated as core infrastructure, not an add‑on. It’s encouraging to see sports stepping into this next phase,” says Toni.