Canoe Racing New Zealand is excited to announce recruitment for two important pathway roles that will help shape the future of our sport, and invite suitable applicants to apply.
These two positions will play a critical role in developing athletes, supporting coaches, strengthening clubs, and building clear pathways from participation through to high performance.
Both roles offer the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of kayaking in New Zealand while working within a collaborative, ambitious, and purpose-driven organisation. If you are passionate about developing people, building capability, and helping shape the next generation of New Zealand paddlers, we’d love to hear from you.
National Pathway Lead
Location- Auckland or Cambridge
Full-time role
We’re seeking a National Pathway Lead to provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of kayaking pathways across New Zealand. This role will play a key part in identifying and supporting talent from grassroots through to high performance, while building capability across clubs, coaches, and the wider sport system.
About the role:
You’ll lead the design and implementation of a national pathway strategy, working closely with clubs, coaches, and key stakeholders to ensure a consistent and effective approach to athlete development. You’ll monitor programme performance, drive continuous improvement, and support the growth of coaching and leadership capability across the sport.
Key responsibilities
- Develop, maintain and deliver a national athlete pathway strategy
- Partner with clubs and regional stakeholders to implement programmes
- Monitor and evaluate pathway effectiveness and outcomes
- Support coach and workforce development initiatives
- Build strong relationships across the sport and high-performance system
- Report on progress and outcomes to key stakeholders
About you
- Proven experience in sports development, talent identification, or pathway programmes
- Strong understanding of athlete development and high-performance systems
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
- Ability to think strategically while delivering practical outcomes
- Tertiary qualification in sport or a related field (preferred)
- Knowledge of canoeing/kayaking in New Zealand is an advantage
National Pathway Coordinator
Location: anywhere in Aotearoa
Part-time role
We’re looking for a National Pathway Coordinator to support the delivery of canoe racing development programmes across New Zealand. This role is key to identifying and developing emerging athletes while working closely with clubs, coaches, and the national body.
About the role:
You’ll coordinate and deliver national and regional pathway initiatives, including training camps, talent identification activities, and coach development opportunities. You’ll work closely with clubs/coaches to support athlete progression and ensure alignment with the national pathway framework.
Key responsibilities
- Work with clubs to identify and support emerging talent
- Build strong relationships with coaches and stakeholders
- Monitor and report on athlete and programme progress
- Support capability development across the region
- Deliver national and regional athlete development programmes and camps
About you
- Experience in athlete or coach development (canoe racing or similar sport preferred)
- Strong organisational and relationship management skills
- Ability to work independently across a regional portfolio
- Passion for developing people and sport
These are opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the future of Canoe Racing in New Zealand, working in a collaborative and purpose-driven environment.
About Canoe Racing New Zealand
Canoe Racing New Zealand (CRNZ) is the national sports organisation (NSO) responsible for sprint, marathon and ocean ski kayaking disciplines in New Zealand. Our strategic objectives are:
- Participation: Building a diverse paddling community of athletes, coaches, and volunteers across various disciplines for fun, wellbeing, and competition.
- Performance:
– High Performance: Supporting New Zealand kayakers to consistently win Olympic and World Championship medals.
– Performance Pathway: Identifying and preparing the next generation of high-performance athletes.
– Sport Development: Creating a vibrant and sustainable domestic sport environment that nurtures talent. - Engagement: Strengthening connections within our sport through effective communication and technology.
