What we do and how we work
What we do
Established in 2011, HPSNZ’s Knowledge Edge (KE) team primarily supports HPSNZ targeted sports and peak bodies by facilitating structured reviews in the form of prebriefs and debriefs in relation to pinnacle and benchmark events. These confidential reviews enable reflective analysis of preparation and performance environments by drawing on feedback from athletes, coaches, and support staff, collected through surveys or interviews.
The KE team also co-ordinates some key strategic surveys on behalf of HPSNZ (e.g. NSO Wellbeing Scan, Athlete Performance Support Impact Survey).
KE insights aim to help inform future planning and discussions by deepening understanding of environments that support wellbeing and performance, as well as the impact of support on athlete and team outcomes. They also help NSOs capture key learnings each cycle. By maintaining a longitudinal record of these insights, the KE team is able to identify recurring and emerging trends at both the NSO and high performance sport system level, further strengthening evidence-based decision making.
How we work
Informed by best-practice research methodologies, the KE team applies a structured approach to review and reflection that includes:
- Collaborative design of learning programmes ensuring delivery plans are tailored and purposeful
- Systematic data collection and secure storage supporting data integrity and accessibility
- Rigorous data analysis enabling meaningful interpretation and insight generation
- Insightful communication of findings to inform further discussions, guide planning, and shape future actions
Contact us
You can contact the KE team at [email protected]
How Knowledge Edge store, secure and use your information
How will my feedback be used?
The Knowledge Edge (KE) team, supported by AI-enabled tools, collates and then anonymises data gathered from surveys and interviews, grouping responses (e.g., by sport) to analyse and identify common themes expressed across each group.
We present our observations and insights in summary reports that we share with all invited participants, as well as relevant HP leaders from NSO’s, Peak Bodies (e.g., NZOC and PNZ), and HPSNZ. These reports are intended to inform further conversations and support ongoing learning. Reports are not shared more widely than this intended group, and no names or individually identifiable details are included.
Who will see my name? Will this be connected to my survey responses?
We take your privacy and confidentiality seriously. Your data will be stored safely within the Forsta Plus platform, a secure, access-controlled environment managed by the KE team.
Personally identifiable information (such as names and email addresses) will be temporarily stored alongside participants’ structured review responses to enable the KE team to appropriately follow up on any responses requiring escalation.
This information will be automatically removed 45 days after data collection has ended. After this time, all stored responses will be fully deidentified, and no personal identifiers will be retained.
Access to your identifiable responses is typically limited to researchers in the Knowledge Edge team; any exceptions to this will always be clearly stated in survey / interview invitations that we send to invited respondents.
No names or individually identifiable details are included in our summary reports without your knowledge.
Escalating concerns
Escalating concerns
The Knowledge Edge survey / interview process is not intended to be an escalation mechanism. If you have concerns about your environment, in the first instance you should be raising these with your NSO and/or your athlete voice group. Independent support is also available to you, and these options can be found under “external resources” on HPSNZ’s Wellbeing Programme page.
Where we identify something in your response which raises concerns about the safety or wellbeing of any person, this will be escalated to HPSNZ’s Head of Psychology.
Where we identify something in your response which raises a concern about the high performance environment or the behaviour of conduct of any person, this will be escalated to HSPNZ’s General Counsel who will determine whether HPSNZ has an obligation to notify the NSO and/or the Sport Integrity Commission about this issue.
If escalation is necessary, Knowledge Edge may need to share your contact details with the relevant person (outlined above) so that they can follow up with you directly. We will let you know if this happens.
Your details will not be shared with any other person without your express consent.
How to access wellbeing support
Wellbeing support options
HPSNZ is able to connect you with a range of wellbeing services, including access to counsellors and psychologists (Infographic). These services are available to you free of charge, are completely confidential, and can include support from someone who is disconnected from the sport environment.
If your sport has a Medical Director or Lead Psychologist, they should be your first point of contact if you need help.
If your sport does not have a Medical Director or Lead Psychologist, or if you would prefer to seek help outside your support team or from external support resources, you can access:
- Dr John P. Sullivan Clinical Sport Psychologist Head of Psychology High Performance Sport New Zealand Email: [email protected]
- Athletes: Instep Assistance Programme. This service is available to you free of charge and is completely confidential. Phone: 0800 284 678 www.instep.nz
- Coaches and Support Staff: Vitae. This service is available to you free of charge and is completely confidential. Phone: 0508 664 981 www.vitae.co.nz
- National helpline Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)