A key opportunity for coaches and managers wanting to contribute to our national pathway and support the next generation of talent.

Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) is inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for coaching and team management roles within the New Zealand Under 21 (NZ U21) Men’s and Women’s campaigns.

These roles are central to preparing athletes and staff for international high performance environments, including the 2027 FIH Junior World Cups, while strengthening alignment with the Vantage Black Sticks programmes. The NZ U21 campaign plays a critical role in developing future international players, coaches, and managers through a nationally aligned, Aotearoa-led high performance system.

Positions Available

HNZ is seeking expressions of interest for the following roles:

• Head Coach — NZ Under 21 Men
  
• Head Coach — NZ Under 21 Women
  
• Assistant Coach — NZ Under 21 Men
  
• Assistant Coach — NZ Under 21 Women
  
• Manager — NZ Under 21 Men
  
• Manager — NZ Under 21 Women

Appointments will run through to the conclusion of the 2027 Junior World Cup cycle. Roles are part-time, based in New Zealand, with a requirement to attend domestic camps and travel internationally with the team where applicable.

About the Roles

NZ U21 coaching and management staff will work within a national high-performance environment over an approximately 18 month campaign, supporting the development of emerging international players and staff.

Key responsibilities include:

• Planning and delivering high-quality domestic camps and international competitions
  
• Supporting or leading national selection processes in line with agreed criteria
  
• Creating positive, challenging, and development‑focused high-performance environments
  
• Working closely with Hockey New Zealand staff and campaign personnel
  
• Ensuring strong alignment between the NZ U21 programme and the Vantage Black Sticks

Head Coaches have overall responsibility for campaign leadership, with Assistant Coaches and Managers working closely alongside to support effective delivery.

Suitable Candidates

HNZ is seeking coaches and managers who can demonstrate:

• Experience, or high potential, within high-performance or emerging high-performance environments
• An understanding of long-term athlete development within pathway programmes
• Strong planning, organisational, and interpersonal skills
  
• Sound technical and tactical hockey knowledge (coaching roles)
  
• Professional behaviours, including integrity, adaptability, and commitment to personal growth
  
• Practical availability to meet the programme’s campaign demands
  

Position-specific job descriptions are available on request.

Indicative NZ U21 Schedule

The 2026–2027 campaign is structured around key domestic and international events and is supported by a franchise-led Regional Training Environment.

Indicative dates include:

• NZ U21 Squad Camp – 12–17 July 2026, New Zealand
• Junior World Cup Qualifier – 1–4 October 2026, Brisbane
• Junior Hockey League 2027 – TBC, New Zealand
• World Cup Preparation Camp 2027 – TBC, New Zealand
• FIH Junior World Cup 2027 – TBC, Europe or Asia/Americas

All dates are subject to confirmation through FIH and international hosting requirements.

Appointment Process

The NZ U21 appointment process is transparent and aligned with Hockey New Zealand’s coaching appointment frameworks. The process includes:

• Open Expression of Interest
• Shortlisting of applicants
• Panel interviews involving HNZ and independent representation
• Assistant Coach appointments progressed following Head Coach confirmation
  
• Formal appointment and announcement of successful candidates

Key dates:

• Applications open: 9.00am, Thursday 7 May 2026
  
• Applications close: 12.00pm, Monday 18 May 2026
  
• Interviews: late May – early June 2026
  
• Appointments announced: mid-June 2026

Feedback will be provided to interviewed applicants at the conclusion of the process.

How to Apply

Expressions of Interest close 12.00pm, Monday 18 May 2026.

To apply, please complete the Expression of Interest form via the link below. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to provide a coaching or management CV.

CLICK HERE for Expression of Interest Form

Further Information

For questions regarding the coaching roles or appointment process, please contact:

Ben Owers – Hockey NZ Coaching Lead

ben.owers@hockeynz.co.nz

For questions regarding the team manager roles, please contact:

Bryce Collins – Hockey NZ High Performance Operations Manager

bryce.collins@hockeynz.co.nz