Expressions of Interest are now open for coaches aspiring to grow their impact within New Zealand's performance hockey environment.

The Emerging Performance Coach Programme is a Hockey NZ led initiative designed to accelerate the development of coaches who have the potential to positively influence athletes within Association, Franchise and national performance environments.

Through a combination of online workshops, in-person learning camps, peer collaboration, expert input and individual development planning, participants will explore contemporary coaching concepts and strengthen the capabilities needed to thrive in performance coaching settings.

The programme brings together a national cohort of emerging coaches from across Aotearoa, creating opportunities to learn, connect and develop alongside peers who share a commitment to personal development and impact in performance settings. 

Programme Overview

Who is the Programme for?

The Emerging Performance Coach Programme is aimed at coaches who:

• Are currently or have demonstrated potential to work with athletes within performance athlete environments.
• Work within, or are progressing towards coaching at the Future Hockey League, Junior Hockey League, National Hockey Championship or are supporting delivery of nationally aligned Regional Training Environments.
• Demonstrate potential, curiosity and a commitment to ongoing learning.
• Coaches yet to participate in Hockey NZ performance coach development initiatives.

A national cohort of up to 16 coaches will be selected, with representation sought from across the four franchise regions.

What will you Learn?

• Understanding Self: Develop greater self-awareness and understanding of the personal attributes that influence coaching effectiveness.
• Connecting with & Leading Others: Strengthen the interpersonal and leadership capabilities required to influence athletes, staff and performance environments.
• Informed Training Design: Develop the knowledge and skills required to design impactful learning and training experiences for athletes.
• Hockey NZ Player Competency Framework: Understand the capabilities athletes require for long-term success and how coaches can intentionally support their development.

How you will Learn

Throughout the programme coaches will explore new ideas, relate them to their own environments, and reflect on their experiences with peers and facilitators through a blend of self-directed, collaborative and formal learning. 

Development is supported through:

• Online workshops
• Practical development activities
• Small group work
• Reflection and action-planning processes
• Interaction with guest experts and experienced coaches

Schedule

• 28 September 2026 - Programme Onboarding
• Mid-October 2026 - Online Workshop 1: Understanding Self
• Late October 2026 - Online Workshop 2: Leading Others
• 7 & 8 November 2026 - Learning Camp 1 (Auckland)
• November 2026 - March 2027 - Optional FIH Level 2 & 3 Online Workshops
• Late January 2027 - Online Workshop 3: Informed Training Design
• Early February 2027 - Online Workshop 4: HNZ Player Competency Framework
• 6 & 7 March 2027 - Learning Camp 2 (Location TBC)

*Online sessions are to be delivered in the evenings, with multiple session times offered.  

*FIH Level 2/3 online workshops are not the full courses but contribute towards FIH accreditations. 

Coaches are expected to actively engage in all aspects of the programme, including attendance at workshops and learning camps and completion of reflection and development tasks between sessions.

Cost

HNZ is heavily subsidising costs for participants and will cover travel, accommodation and programme-related costs. Coaches or their organisations will be responsible for $200 equalisation fee per Learning Camp, plus $15 per opt-in FIH workshops (discounted rate). 

Total Cost - $400, plus $15 per FIH workshop  

What Coaches will Gain

By the end of the programme, coaches should have:

• Greater clarity around their coaching identity and development priorities.
• Improved confidence leading athletes, staff and performance environments.
• Stronger understanding of contemporary coaching and hockey-specific concepts.
• Practical ideas that can be applied within their own coaching context.
• Stronger connections with coaches from across New Zealand.
• An individual development plan to support future progression.

Expression of Interest and Selection Process

Coaches are invited to submit an expression of interest. Selection will consider coaching context, future potential, commitment to learning, and capacity to positively influence athletes and coaching environments, in consultation with franchise and association coaching leaders.

Key Dates

Expressions of Interest close: 14 September 2026

Coaches notified by: 21 September 2026

Programme begins: 28 September 2026

For further information, contact Ben Owers, Coaching Lead, Hockey New Zealand.

Ben.owers@hockeynz.co.nz