Hockey coaches continue to embrace opportunities to learn, connect and grow through cross-code coaching development programmes.

Coaching for Impact Programme

In this iteration, the programme is being delivered to two cohorts. A North Island cohort is centred in Wellington, alongside a South Island cohort centred in Christchurch. The programme commenced with an online connection session, followed by two in-person learning camps delivered across February and March. 



The hockey coaches involved in the 2026 to 2027 programme are: 

Brijen Parikh (West Coast), Francesca Rowley (Auckland), Ben Sinnamon (Canterbury) Daniel Cleghorn (Canterbury) Brendon Joseph Steer (South Canterbury), Hilary McCullough (South Canterbury), Fraser Bagci (Wellington), Jack Paton (Wellington), Claire Humphries (Wellington), Kirsty Parsons (Whanganui), 

Hockey New Zealand is also actively contributing to the delivery of the programme, with Coaching Lead Ben Owers involved as a trainer (facilitator) for the South Island cohort. 

The involvement of hockey coaches in Coaching for Impact reflects a continued commitment to collaborative, values-led coaching development. Programmes such as this play an important role in strengthening coaching practice, supporting positive youth experiences and aligning the wider sport system around shared principles and long-term athlete wellbeing. 

Sport New Zealand's Te Manaakitanga – Women in Coaching Programme 

Te Manaakitanga – Women in Coaching is a targeted development programme designed to support and progress more women in coaching roles across Aotearoa New Zealand. 

The programme provides tailored support, connection and learning opportunities for women coaching rangatahi and secondary school aged young people, aged 12 to 19. Its aim is to strengthen coaching capability, confidence and retention by creating environments where women are supported to succeed and progress along the coaching pathway. 

As part of the programme, three regional communities of practice have been established for a 12 month period across Auckland, Waikato and Canterbury. These communities will enable coaches to connect, share practice and learn alongside others working in similar contexts. 

Te Manaakitanga is part of Sport New Zealand and High-Performance Sport New Zealand’s wider commitment to supporting and retaining women in coaching roles across the sporting pathway, from community through to performance environments. 

Hockey New Zealand is pleased to acknowledge the hockey coaches who have been accepted into the programme: 

• Toni Wright, Northland 
• Lene Piper, North Harbour 
• Joanna Scott, Bay of Plenty / Waikato 
• Katie Murchie, Canterbury 
• Anna Morgan, Canterbury 

Selected coaches will receive a range of development opportunities throughout the programme, including mentoring and coach developer support, access to regional communities of practice, and a blend of in-person and online learning opportunities. These will include workshops delivered by current and former high-performance coaches. 

Te Manaakitanga represents an important step in strengthening women’s leadership and coaching capability within hockey and across the wider sport system.