Aimed at more experienced coaches. Quality coaches have a huge effect on communities. Their examples and values contribute not only to New Zealand sporting success, but to our quality of life.

If you're just starting out in coaching, go to the Coaching section.

New Zealand Coaching Strategy

New Zealand has no centralised national coaching qualifications or standards but it has developed a national coaching strategy. See the New Zealand Coaching Strategy.

The New Zealand Coaching Strategy was developed in consultation with the coaching community and is aligned to the Sport NZ participant/athlete pathway. The Strategy recognises the unique contribution made by coaches in all four coaching communities (foundation, development, performance and high performance). The Strategy is supported by two other important plans:

• New Zealand Community Sport Coaching Plan 2016-2020 (PDF)
• New Zealand High Performance Coaching Plan (HPSNZ website).

Coach development for each sport

Each sport develops its own coach development framework based on the specific needs of the participants and athletes in that sport. Many sports provide their coach development framework online. To learn more about the coach development options offered by each sport, contact the relevant National Sports Organisation (NSOs).

In some cases, sports have moved from a formalised accreditation model (e.g. Level 1, Level 2), particularly in the foundation and development coaching communities, to a 'continuous development' model with a range of assessed and non-assessed learning opportunities available to coaches.

General (generic) coach development

Aside from sport-specific development opportunities, there are a range of generic modules offered by Regional Sports Trusts (RSTs) to improve general coaching skills.

Some of these modules may be recognised by NSOs as part of their coach development framework. See a list of NSOs and Regional Sports Organisations (RSOs).

Coach development through the education sector

You can get coaching experience and qualifications through the New Zealand education system.

For example, many secondary schools offer the Sport NZ Growing Coaches programme. Through Growing Coaches students gain an introductory qualification in coaching and NCEA credits.

In addition, coaching courses and programmes are offered by universities, polytechnics and private training enterprises. Contact your local education institution to find out what they offer. CareersNZ is a good place to start.