Performance sport can be tough so it’s vital that athletes, coaches and support teams are supported throughout their journey in sport. A strong support network – including clubs, schools, coaches, CRNZ, whanau and supporters – play a crucial role in helping people transition sustainably into, during, and beyond competitive sport.
If you have concerns or questions related to your involvement in paddling, we encourage open communication. Addressing issues early ensures a safe and positive environment for all athletes.
Please see the following link containing what athletes can expect when joining the Canoe Racing New Zealand Pathway or High Performance Squads:
Key Athlete Contacts for Health and Wellbeing Matters:
If you need support, please reach out to the following people in the order that feels most appropriate:
- Your coach.
- CRNZ Athlete Voice Committee representatives at: crnzathletevoice@gmail.com
- HPSNZ Performance Life Advisors and/or HPSNZ Clinical Psychologists.
- The National Pathway Manager, GM of Performance, or the CEO.
- The independent Member Protection Advisor (MPA) at: crnzmpa@outlook.co.nz
- The independent Instep / VITAE Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), reference Canoe Racing.
- A CRNZ board member.
- Sport Integrity Commission.
For Clubs and Paddlers with child protection concerns, please contact:
Independent Member Protection Advisor (MPA)
The CRNZ Member Protection Advisor is an independent and anonymous representative dedicated to reviewing complaints and directing them to the appropriate internal or external entities. They can be contacted at:
Crnzmpa@outlook.co.nzHigh Performance Environments:
To support you whilst in high performance environments, the following may be available depending on the squad you are in. To enquire please discuss with your national coach, the National Pathway Lead, or General Manager of Performance.
- Onboarding and induction into the CRNZ Pathway or a High Performance squads.
- Individual Development Plan (IDP) reviews and feedback.
- Access to Clinical Psychologists, Performance Psychologists, and the Instep and Vitae Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Career and personal development support from HPSNZ Performance Life Advisors.
- Health and nutrition advice through specialists e.g. doctor, nutritionist, physiotherapist etc.
- Financial support (primarily for athletes with recent and consistent Top 8 performances in Olympic events). For detailed Tailored Athlete Pathway Support details and FAQ’s please see here.
- Regular reviews of campaigns and programmes.
- Access to the CRNZ Athlete Voice Committee.
- Involvement in a High Performance Programme that lives the values of: Courage, Accountability, Humility and Mana.
- Discussion about your selection or non-selection, when you feel ready.
- Support with your transition out of the High Performance environment, suited to your needs. E.g. this may include feedback on your Individual Development Plan (IDP) to seek reselection, facilitated connection back to your club, or time and patience until you feel ready to have these conversations.
Everyone’s health and wellbeing needs are different and it is important for you to articulate your needs, and work with relevant parties and support systems to meet them.
Expectations of Athletes:
- Seek clarification about your role and impact on the culture and environment.
- Develop and maintain your Individual Development Plan (IDP); with clear aspirations and goals.
- Articulate your health and wellbeing needs and collaborate with support systems.
- Engage with team mates, coaches, support staff and whanau respectfully.
- Promote inclusivity, respect and integrity.
- Adhere to the CRNZ Code of Conduct.
- Utilise feedback mechanisms such as direct communication, the Athlete Voice Committee, and reviews for development.
- Have honest conversations and develop clear plans to enable growth for personal and professional development needs.
- Uphold the Canoe Racing New Zealand High Performance values of: Courage, Accountability, Humility and Mana.
- Build capability over time in your respective role and demonstrate progress.
Athlete Voice Committee:
The Athlete Voice Committee represents the interests of high performance sprint athletes by:
- Actively supporting CRNZ’s high performance culture, integrity and policies.
- Engaging with athletes with respect to key decisions that directly impact them.
- Collaborates with the New Zealand Olympic Committee Athletes Committee and Athlete Leaders Network (ALN); which currently includes kayakers Max Brown and Alicia Hoskin.
- Reviews Selection Policies and timing, Athlete Agreements, High Performance Strategies, and other key strategic decisions.
The current CRNZ Athlete Voice representatives are: Hamish Legarth (Chair), Caitlin Regal, Zac Franich, Lucy Matehaere (Ngati Raukawa) and Kurtis Imrie (Whakatoohea). They can be contacted directly, or at:
crnzathletevoice@gmail.com
The Mental Health Continuum Model:
The Mental Health Continuum is a useful way to understand how mental health changes in response to increased stressors. Athletes, like most people, move in either direction on the continuum in response to the normal ups and downs of daily life. What becomes of critical concern is if an athlete becomes stuck in the red zone. Please review the model, monitor your mental health, and complete the relevant action.
Adapted from Nash (2011).
External resources:
