The CAG concludes its role, leaving a lasting legacy through their leadership, insight, and contributions to coaching strategy, processes, and projects.

As Hockey New Zealand continues to evolve, we take this moment to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible mahi of the Coaching Advisory Group (CAG) — a collective of passionate and knowledgeable individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the coaching landscape.

Commencing as a 12 month pilot in 2022, the CAG demonstrated significant impact and value, leading to its continuation. The group brought together a diverse range of voices from across New Zealand. The six members included:

Since inception, the group has provided invaluable insight, leadership, and direction across a range of priority projects and workstreams. Their influence has contributed to meaningful progress in areas such as:

• Coaching Strategy and Planning: Helping to define a clear and purposeful direction for coaching.
• Coach Workforce Mapping: Building a better understanding of who our coaches are, where they are, and what support they need.
• Capturing Coaching Data: Through initiatives like Voice of Coach and the Coaching Ticket, the group has helped amplify coach perspectives and improve data-informed decision-making.
• Connecting Coaching to the Wider Hockey Network: Strengthening relationships between coaches and other key roles such as Connected Managers, fostering a more integrated system.
• Diversity and Equity in Coaching: Championing inclusive practices and ensuring coaching reflects the diverse communities we serve.

The group’s impact can be framed through the lens of the three P’s - People, Processes, and Projects:

• People: Supporting and advocating for coaches at all levels, ensuring their voices are heard and their development is prioritised.
• Processes: Enhancing systems and structures that underpin coaching, from data collection to strategic planning.
• Projects: Driving forward key initiatives that have shaped the future of coaching in Aotearoa.

Following recent changes within Hockey NZ, we’ve taken time to review our ways of working — including how the CAG fits within our evolving structure. The review has highlighted an opportunity to build on the strong foundation laid by the CAG and transition into a new, dynamic approach to best meet the needs of our coaching community.

This new approach will enable us to engage a broader range of voices and expertise, allowing us to adapt quickly to emerging needs and opportunities. As part of this evolution, the CAG will conclude in its current format, having played a pivotal role in paving the way for the next phase.

Hockey NZ would like to acknowledge the significant contributions of the CAG and extends sincere thanks to every member for their dedication, insight, and leadership. The CAG’s legacy will continue to guide Hockey NZ coaching, inspiring future progress and innovation.