Triathlon New Zealand
Contact Information
Address
P.O. Box 128 509, Remuera
Auckland
1541
New Zealand
President
Garry Boon
Secretary General
Craig Waugh
Website
http://www.triathlon.org.nz/
Phone
+64 9524 6959
Fax
+64 9524 6957
Latest News
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Coach Positions Available at Triathlon New Zealand
Triathlon New Zealand (Tri NZ) is the national governing body for the sport of triathlon in New Zealand and has enjoyed a rich history of success: Since Erin Baker and Rick Wells both graced the podium at the very first ITU World Championships in 1989, Kiwis have won a further 13 World Championship medals and 3 more at the Olympic Games. Triathlon is one of just 10 sports ‘targeted’ by High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) for programme investment in the current Olympiad, and as such Tri NZ is embarking on an exciting forward plan to ensure continued international success towards 2016 and 2020. With the appointment of a High Performance Director, a move to a centralised training model for our High Performance Squads, and an unambiguous medal ambition, we are now looking to complete our High Performance Team with several focused new appointments. To be based at the forthcoming National High Performance Centre in Cambridge – a community now steeped in medal-winning culture, incorporating the newly built Avantidrome and outstanding facilities at the adjacent St Peter’s School – and working as a team under the umbrella of the National Head Coach, the positions of High Performance Coach and Talent Development Coach will respectively have responsibility for coaching the centralised HP Development Squad and detecting and developing the next generation of Kiwi talent. Substantial operating budgets and attractive remuneration packages are available for each position. The coaching team will be complimented by a complete performance support team, specifically including an embedded performance scientist, physical therapist and mental skills trainer, plus other specialties. The successful coaching candidates will therefore have experience of working effectively with an interdisciplinary team, and planning and delivering programmes to develop athletes towards international podium level. While based primarily at the National High Performance Centre, significant travel will be required for camps and competitions, both domestically and internationally. Job descriptions and further details are available on the Triathlon New Zealand website. Applications comprising background letter and CV and clearly specifying which role is being applied for should be sent to Marlene Lucas (marlene.lucas@triathlon.org.nz) by close on 22 February. First interviews will be arranged for the following fortnight. For further information or a confidential chat about either position, please contact High Performance Director, Graeme Maw, on +64 9 524 6959, graeme.maw@triathlon.org.nz {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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ITU World Triathlon Grand Final exceeds economic expectations
The great news regarding ITU’s World Triathlon Series races just keeps rolling in. An independent report submitted to Triathlon New Zealand and the local organising committee found the Barfoot & Thompson ITU World Triathlon Grand Final exceeded targets in the economic returns to Auckland and New Zealand. The event attracted a record 5,208 participants and a global audience estimated to be in excess of 25 million. In a post event survey, those who competed and watched live on course endorsed the event as being of ‘world class standard’. Event CEO Dave Beeche said the report confirms the economic value of such an event to the city and the country. ATEED General Manager Destination (Acting), Jennah Wootten congratulated the local organising committee on the successful management and delivery of the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final Auckland. “This is an excellent result and return on investment for Auckland and testament to the combined effort that an event of this scale requires not only from the event itself but also from businesses, residents and regional agencies,” Ms Wootten said. Economic Impact report findings reveal that the Barfoot & Thompson World Triathlon Grand Final Auckland 2012 generated $7.41 million into the Auckland economy. Highlights in the report include: • The event attracted 5,318 visitors to NZ and 10,004 visitors to Auckland • Average stay in New Zealand for international visitors was 11 nights, indicating that many travelled more widely after the event. The total number of visitor nights was 57,872 • Average stay in Auckland for international visitors was 5.6 nights. Total number of visitor nights in Auckland was 55,592 • Generated $12.48 million GDP for NZ • Generated $7.4 million GDP for Auckland (forecast was $6.9 million) • Return on national investment was 307% Most files from Triathlon New Zealand and the Grand Final local organising committee {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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Triathlon NZ appoint High Performance Director
Triathlon New Zealand has scored something of a coup in the triathlon world with the appointment of highly regarded Graeme Maw to the newly developed position of High Performance Director. The appointment of the former High Performance Director at British Triathlon is the first significant step in the implementation of the recommendations of the recent Independent Review into the Tri NZ HP Programme. Tri NZ Chief Executive Craig Waugh is delighted to announce someone the calibre of Maw to such a key role.“The creation of this new role is an important recommendation to come out of the Independent Review. So much of the work and planning that will follow will be driven by the High Performance Director and Head Coach as we set the tone and changes required for success over the next 8 to 10 years. “The quality of applicants was superb, a reflection of the high regard in which Triathlon New Zealand and our athletes are held worldwide. But Graeme Maw stood out in the global search and was our preferred choice; we are delighted to have secured his services. His experience and CV are simply outstanding; Graeme brings a wealth of knowledge from a variety of countries and sports and will lead our High Performance Programme with a clear focus and vision.” Since 2009 Maw has held the post of Director of Sport at Millfield School in Somerset, the UK’s pre-eminent school for sport, (Millfield had nine past or present students at the London Olympic Games and for a few days led the Aussies on the medal table!). Maw’s CV includes roles as Elite Performance Director with the Welsh Rugby Union, High Performance Manager Swimming at the Queensland Academy of Sport and perhaps most significantly for his new role, High Performance Director at British Triathlon from 2001 to 2006 and Triathlon England board member 2010-12. During that time Maw was responsible for the development of a UK-wide High Performance Network supported by professional coaches and backed-up by expert support services. Outcomes included 28 World, European and Commonwealth medals in six seasons, including World Triathlon Champions 2002 and 2006, and a legacy that built the foundations for the British Triathlon programme success today. High Performance Sport New Zealand CEO Alex Baumann is welcoming of the appointment. “Triathlon New Zealand has acted quickly and professionally in their search for a High Performance Director, in line with the recommendations of the recent independent review into their 2020 High Performance Programme.” “The search has been a global one, with Tri NZ looking at home and overseas for the best candidate in what will be a demanding and challenging role. To entice someone of the calibre and international reputation of Graeme Maw is both testament to the recruitment process but also the sport itself and the high regard in which the global triathlon community views New Zealand. “Graeme will add considerable expertise to Triathlon New Zealand and lead the High Performance Programme into an exciting phase as the sport plans for the next 8 to 10 years of success. I’m sure that value will not be limited to triathlon however, with the wider sporting community standing to benefit from having someone of Graeme’s experience here in New Zealand.” Maw himself is delighted at having secured the role and is looking forward to enhancing a uniquely ‘Kiwi’ HP Programme. “I cannot wait to get to work with Tri NZ. I watched as Hamish and Bevan went 1-2 in Athens, I saw Sam Warriner medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and have followed Andrea's outstanding form these past few years. I hired (New Zealander) Ben Bright to work as a coach and roomed with a Coast-to-Coast medallist during University and I recognise the same tenacity in all of them. “I relish bringing people together to achieve a collective goal (I believe New Zealand has a national spirit to support that), and believe in coaching and coach development. I'm certainly looking forward to working with the team to progress New Zealand's triathlon legacy.” Waugh is excited about the future of the sport and the High Performance Programme under the guidance of Maw. “In appointing Graeme we have no doubt that he has the vision, experience and the leadership to bring a group of talented people together working to implement the recommendations of the 2020 HP review. The sport is such a fast growing one; it is vital that we are world class in our pursuit of excellence on the world stage.” Maw will arrive in New Zealand in November and commence his new role in December. {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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Triathlon New Zealand seeking High Performance Director
Triathlon New Zealand (Tri NZ) is the national governing body for the sports of triathlon, duathlon, aquathlon and multisport, and is a non-profit incorporated society. Based in Newmarket, Auckland, Tri NZ is made up of a team of 17 staff and many passionate volunteers and supporters. Activities and events are carried out on a nationwide basis. Triathlon New Zealand’s primary activities include: · Promote the sport as a whole through our media program including a TV show and regular press and radio activity · Carry out development programs for Youth, Coaching and Referees, including looking after the competition rules and developing safety and fairness standards across all events · Own and deliver some key events including a National Triathlon Series and a National Duathlon Series · Deliver a High Performance program, supporting elite athletes to win on the world stage · Host National Championship events and select teams to represent New Zealand at elite and age-group World Champs · Develop participation pathways for all spectators and fans, competitors, athletes, coaches and technical officials to ensure all New Zealanders have transparent pathways to participate at their desired level in the sport · Advocate for the sport in local and central government, work with the International Triathlon Union and other key stakeholders Triathlon New Zealand recently conducted a 2013-20 High Performance Review identifying four important aspects for the High Performance Director role: · Ability to lead programme evolution, not revolution · Robust communication, including an ability to lead through others · Need to embrace the HP review and implement recommendations · Develop and maintain strong systems, processes and protocols to manage accountabilities Triathlon New Zealand have recently announced their full team of six athletes for the 2012 London Olympics, and has a strong chance to win a medal, holding the No.1 Women’s ranking leading into the Games. Reporting to the Chief Executive, the High Performance Director will lead and drive strategy and policy for the High Performance Program (HPP) to create an environment which allows coaches and athletes to be successful and maintain sustainable competitive advantage at International Elite level through to 2020/24. The role will also maintain robust and successful connections with the wider business and its strategic objectives. To be considered for this role you will need to be a dynamic leader with energy and an ability to swiftly build relationships and credibility with international level athletes, coaches and stakeholders. Candidates will need to have created, developed and led a high performance programme, team and culture that has achieved international success at an elite level. A proven business acumen and demonstrable business skills including planning, budgeting and change management are also required. An understanding of the sport of triathlon including the factors required to win internationally would be looked upon favourably. This role presents a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the delivery of high performance programs both strategically and operationally throughout triathlon in New Zealand. The central location of the TRI NZ High Performance Programme hub is to be reviewed with decision due at the end of 2012 in which candidate will influence. Candidates applying need to be willing to relocate. Candidates wishing to be considered for this role should first read the position description and selection criteria at www.sportspeople.co.nz prior to applying. Apply by 15 July 2012. More information is available here. {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}
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New Zealand names Olympic team for London 2012
It was delight all around as Triathlon New Zealand and the NZOC confirmed the New Zealand team for the London Olympic Games at a function in Auckland on Wednesday afternoon. Dave Currie made the announcement on behalf of the NZOC, confirming Andrea Hewitt, Kate McIlroy, Nicky Samuels, Kris Gemmell, Bevan Docherty and Ryan Sissons in the team for London. Samuels and Sissons may have a slightly nervous wait however as New Zealand must finish inside the top 8 nations on the ITU Olympic rankings at the end of May for New Zealand to have three spots in either men's or women's races in London. In both cases New Zealand is comfortably inside the top 8 and has plans to contest key races in May to ensure they stay there. Triathlon New Zealand has also confirmed that Debbie Tanner and Clark Ellice have been named as reserves in the event of injury or illness in the lead up to London. Below are bios and reactions from each of the athletes heading to the London Olympics; ANDREA HEWITT DOB: 4 April, 1982 Birthplace: Christchurch Residence: Christchurch/France Event: Individual Women London will be Andrea's second Olympic Games, after coming in 8th place in Beijing 2008. She picked up a bronze at the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games. Her career started when she was crowned the 2005 Under23 World Champion in Gamagori, Japan. In 2007 she won her first ITU World Cup race in. In 2011, Hewitt won the ITU World Championship Series Grand Final in Beijing, China and placed second in the overall championship rankings. In the 2012 ITU World Triathlon Series Andrea is ranked first heading into the Olympic Games. "Qualifying early for the Games has been a huge help for me and allowed me to concentrate on peaking at the right time of the year. My form at the moment is great considering I have not yet done any of the speed work that will be crucial in London. While it is some time since my nomination was confirmed to the NZOC, the naming of the team today is a very proud moment for me, my coach Laurent and my family." KATE MCILROY DOB: 26 August, 1981 Birthplace: Wellington Residence: Wellington Event: Individual Women Kate McIlroy is a former World Mountain Running Champion and steeplechaser who qualified for Beijing on the track but was forced to withdraw with injury. Named Sportswoman of the Year in 2005, since turning her attention to triathlon in late 2008 McIlroy has made every post a winner, taking out her first ITU World Cup title in 2009 and finishing 6th at the World Championship Grand Final in Beijing in 2011, ending the year with a world ranking of 17. "I am excited and proud to be named in the NZ Olympic Team; it is by far the highlight of my sporting career so far. Everything was on the line in Sydney; I finished with mixed emotions knowing I would have to wait a few days for the selectors to decide. The quality of the other NZ girls is world class, so I realise it has been a tough decision to narrow it down to the last two spots. It's a massive relief to be named, now I can look forward to the next few months with a clear head and plan how I am going to get myself on the podium in London. "It has been my lifelong goal to compete in the Olympic Games. I watched the 2008 Olympic triathlon on TV and thought 'this is a sport I could be good at'. I had the running legs; I just needed to learn the other two disciplines. At that stage I had never ridden a bike, so to get from that point to now be in the New Zealand team makes selection that little bit more rewarding and satisfying. My journey to get here has not been easy and it has been different to most but I have a great team around me, Greg Fraine has transformed me from a pure runner to a triathlete while Tim Brazier has taught me the art of swimming ‘ITU style'. "I am confident with where I am at now and will be working full steam ahead to get myself into a position where I will be a realistic medal chance for London. I have met my goals of learning the sport, making the Tri NZ squads and now the Olympic Games. Now my focus is to win a medal." NICKY SAMUELS DOB: 28 February, 1983 Birthplace: Whangarei Residence: Wanaka Event: Individual Women Samuels is a fierce competitor and renowned as one of the leading cyclists on the triathlon circuit. Indeed Samuels is the current NZ National Road Champion, upsetting the full-time cyclists in early 2012 to earn the title. She won her first ITU World Cup race at Mooloolaba in 2011 and has overcome serious heart issues to continue racing, with two bouts of surgery in the past seven months. "I have worked hard for this over the past three years with Coach Mark Elliott. If it had been handed to me on a plate it wouldn't mean as much as it does. To go through two heart surgeries within six and a half months and come out the other side with Olympic Selection - the result I wanted, this is just perfect. "I went into the race in Sydney knowing that my heart problems were now under control, my running was at the best it has been for four years, my fitness was at an ideal level for this time of year and I had nailed most of my key sessions with times all around what I was aiming for so I knew I was at my best coming into the race. I was aiming for that top 8 and automatic selection. "I didn't make the top 8 so I was naturally a little disappointed but I knew I performed really well so I was still happy with my result. I feel it was this result that confirmed my selection. The most exciting part is this selection and good race result comes just two and a half months after my last heart surgery so I know I have time to get more fitness gains especially much more from my running by London. "Competing at the Olympics is something you dream of when you are a little kid. I was one of those kids who as an 11 year old wrote my goal on a piece of paper for school and one of them was "go to the Olympics”. I remember getting laughed at by one of my friends in my class and changing it on that piece of paper but definitely not in my heart. I am really proud to represent my country every year in triathlon around the world and the Olympics is the pinnacle event for the sporting community and to go there means a lot to us as athletes. "I have achieved my goal of selection but let's not stop here, you don't want to be just selected for the Olympics and just go, you want to go with pride, knowing that you are the best person for the "job”, in the best shape of your life and can get the best result you are capable of. While the Olympics is the goal, the Olympic Gold medal is the ultimate goal." BEVAN DOCHERTY DOB: 29 March, 1977 Birthplace: Taupo Residence: Santa Cruz, California Event: Individual Men Bevan was part of New Zealand's proud gold-silver moment at Athens 2004, when he took silver just seconds behind below Kiwi, Hamish Carter. In Beijing in 2008 Bevan came away with the bronze medal. London will be his third Olympic Games. Bevan also won a silver medal at the Melbourne Commonwealth Games and is one of the most decorated triathletes in the history of the sport. "I have been focused on London for some time. After winning bronze in Beijing to go with my silver from Athens I made it clear the only thing missing was the gold to go with the collection. I have not wavered from that thought; that is my goal, to go to London and win gold. I am as excited about this opportunity as any in my career. They key for me now is to continue my preparation and peak on the right day to be at my best." KRIS GEMMELL DOB: 28 April 1977 Birthplace: New Plymouth Residence: Palmerston North Event: Individual Men Kris booked his space for the London Games in Sydney this past weekend with his top-8 finish. Kris competed in the 2002 Manchester and 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. He was sixth at Manchester and fifth in Melbourne, where he finished just ahead of countryman Hamish Carter. London 2012 will be his second Olympic Games. In Beijing 2008 Kris came 39th after suffering a horrendous foot injury in the lead-up to the games, with his foot going through the spokes on his wheel in his final warm up race, leaving him with over 20 stitches. "The Olympics is the pinnacle of most sports in the world. As a kid I dreamed about being there one day, in every one of those dreams I'm sure it ended with me winning gold. I am under no illusion as to how hard this will be but I am fully prepared to give it everything I have to make it happen on the one day that matters most." RYAN SISSONS DOB: 24 July, 1988 Birthplace: Zimbabwe Residence: Auckland NZ Event: Individual Men London will be Ryan's first Olympic Games. Ryan was a London scholarship Holder and was a silver medallist at the 2010 U23 Triathlon World Championships, 2010 and 2011 NZ & Oceania U23 Triathlon Champion, 3rd at NZ Elite National Triathlon Champs 2010 and 2011, 19th at Sydney World Championship Triathlon Series 2010, 24th at Kitzbuhel World Championship Triathlon Series 2010. 3rd Ranked NZ Triathlete on ITU points. In 2011 Ryan ended the season ranked 19th in the world and 2nd in NZ. He also racked up five top 25 performances in the ITU World Triathlon Series, coming 11th, 18th, 22nd, 14th, and 13th. "Words cannot explain how I feel. I still don't think it has sunk in that I am going to the Olympics!! After the race situation in Sydney and my crash in the early stages of the race I was extremely disappointed and upset that I couldn't continue the race and show that I was capable of another good result. However I knew I had two other races banked and it was out of my control so there was nothing more I could do but wait for the selection. "This means so much to me. It's truly a dream come true and to be going alongside some of my best friends is going to be even better, especially with the experience that I know Bevan and Kris will bring to the team. For me this will be a great experience going to the Olympics at 24 years old, with the possibility of being able to compete in at least 1-2 more Olympics, it will truly be the best situation getting one under the belt before going to Rio 2016 hunting that Gold medal. I just can't wait to get back into training and be in my best possibly shape come August. "My goal is not just to attend the Olympics. I'm going there to race well and race hard. My goal is a top 10. I know that if all goes to plan this is a realistic goal and I just can't wait to get back into training, more motivated than ever. I will now plan with my coach and Tri NZ as to what needs to be done and what races I will be doing in order to ensure I am best prepared come race day. I can't tell you how excited I am!" DAMIAN PEDRESCHI - Triathlon New Zealand selection convenor "The Triathlon NZ Selectors, Lynley Brown, Barry Larsen and I are very pleased that the selection process has delivered a formidable team of talented athletes to represent New Zealand at the London Olympic Games. "Andrea, Kate, Nicky, Kris, Bevan and Ryan are superb athletes and wonderful ambassadors for the sport and the country. They have come through a comprehensive selection process and are deserving of their places on the start line in London. "As selectors we were committed to ensuring a transparent, fair and rigorous process was agreed and implemented. That process was communicated to all athletes and coaches one year ago, with clear opportunities along the way to qualify for London, culminating in the Sydney race last weekend. We are confident this process has delivered 6 athletes who will represent New Zealand with pride and deliver outstanding results in London. That process has subsequently been ratified by the Tri NZ Board and the NZOC. "While celebrating the success of those named today and wishing them and Greg well in London, we would like to acknowledge those athletes who were not selected, and highlight that it was a very difficult decision. It is their calibre that demonstrates the depth and talent of triathletes in New Zealand.” Text and photos: Triathlon New Zealand {/exp:tagstripper:tagsToSave}