Canoe Racing New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Kendra Tate, Carl Newman and Leigh Barker as part-time Pathway Coordinators, strengthening the support available to athletes, coaches and clubs across New Zealand.
Led by Chris Emmett, National Pathway Lead, the expanded pathway team will increase CRNZ’s presence within clubs and regions, strengthen support for athletes and coaches, and help create more opportunities for paddlers to develop and progress within the sport.
These appointments have been enabled through additional funding received specifically for pathway development and represent the next phase of CRNZ’s pathway strategy.
Kendra Tate – Upper North Island
Based in Auckland, Kendra will support athletes, coaches and clubs across the Upper North Island. She brings valuable experience in athlete and coach development, strong relationship-building skills, and a passion for helping young paddlers develop both on and off the water.
Carl Newman – Central and Lower North Island
Based in Gisborne, Carl will support athletes, coaches and clubs across the Central and Lower North Island. He brings extensive experience in talent identification and athlete development, along with a strong understanding of the environments and relationships that help athletes progress through the pathway.
Leigh Barker – South Island
Based in Christchurch, Leigh will support athletes, coaches and clubs across the South Island. He brings more than 30 years of coaching and athlete development experience across canoe racing and surf lifesaving, including significant involvement in athlete identification, coach development, Junior and U23 programmes, international campaigns and Paralympic sport.
Together, Kendra, Carl and Leigh bring extensive experience, regional knowledge and a shared commitment to athlete development. They have commenced in their roles and have already begun connecting with athletes, coaches and clubs in their respective regions. Further direct communication will be sent to pathway athletes and coaches shortly.
Strong international results are built on strong development systems. While New Zealand continues to achieve success on the world stage, sustained success requires ongoing investment in the pathway beneath it. This investment is focused on strengthening athlete identification and development and progression opportunities across New Zealand, helping build the depth required for future success through LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
Congratulations to Kendra, Carl and Leigh on their new roles and we look forward to having you as part of the CRNZ team.
