Graduate Programme 2016 - 2017 

Kia ora, my name is Tim Coltman and I was fortunate enough to be on the Sport NZ Graduate Programme from 2016-2017. My sporting background is in sailing and coaching and I studied at Victoria University, graduating with a Bachelor of Law and a Bachelor of Arts. 

In the second year of the Graduate Programme I was placed with Sport Manawatu, Snow Sports NZ and Winter Games NZ and these helped to open my eyes to a variety of different career paths including working in grass roots community sport, high performance sport and major sporting events. Ultimately these second year work placements, coupled with strong guidance and mentorship from my Sport NZ Manager, helped me to narrow down where my passions lay. 

The experiences I had and the networks I built whilst on the Sport NZ Graduate Programme were instrumental in helping me land my current job as the Sports Manager at Winter Games NZ. The role is based in Wanaka (A.K.A. paradise), and involves planning and delivering the biggest winter sports event in the southern hemisphere. I love my job as it allows me to work with a wide range of organisations and people who are equally as passionate about sport. Although at times event management can cause some sleepless nights, it is incredibly satisfying when all the components come together, and the Kiwi athletes are standing at the top of the podium! 

The Graduate Programme provides the perfect platform for building a career in the sport and recreation sector and I couldn’t recommend it more to those who are passionate, driven and hungry to seize the opportunity. 

APPLICATIONS FOR 2020 ARE NOW CLOSED