New Direction for Swim Coaches & Teachers New Zealand

dale493
Jul 4
3 min read

Launch of New Strategic Plan for SCTNZ

Swimming NZ is pleased to promote the recent launch of the Swim Coaches & Teachers New Zealand (SCTNZ) new strategic plan. The plan has been established to set the direction for the next eight years (2025 – 2032).

Recently, a stronger alignment between SCTNZ and Swim Coaches & Teachers Australia has been made, with Brendon Ward becoming the Chief Executive across the two organisations on either side of the ditch. This has proven a driving force behind the creation of the strategic plan.

Within their strategic plan, SCTNZ has outlined a vision to advance swimming in New Zealand at all levels. Their purpose is to support, develop and inspire swim schools, coaches and teachers so they can increase safe participation and improve athlete performances in swimming. Their promise is to provide coaches, teachers and swim schools with access to support, valued resources, and opportunities to learn, network and collaborate.

You can read their full strategic plan below.

SCTNZ Strategic Plan

The launch of their strategic plan is a significant milestone for the organisation, and has been a catalyst for Swimming NZ and SCTNZ to build a closer working relationship. Both organisations are committed to collectively working toward enhancing the support provided to coaches in New Zealand, and the strategy aligns strongly with the ongoing Coaching Review being conducted by Swimming NZ.

Coaching Review Launch

Brendon Ward is excited with the opportunities for SCTNZ to support coaches as part of this new strategic direction.

“Coaches are the lifeblood of our sport and deserve as much recognition and development as we can muster. The ability to leverage off experiences and resources in Australia will provide tangible and valuable benefits to swimming coaches throughout NZ. The SCTNZ Board together with the Swim Coaches & Teachers Australia management team are committed to working with SNZ to enhance the overall experience for coaches.”

Swimming NZ’s Head of Participation, Competitions & Engagement, Dale Johnson, is optimistic about the direction of support for coaches in New Zealand.

“The strategic plan set by SCTNZ lays a solid foundation for us to collectively build upon the support provided for coaches. There have been many areas for growth identified throughout the Coaching Review thus far, and I believe this enables us to clearly identify an action plan to bring the recommendations to life that we will finalise in the coming months.”

Ward noted that there are many reasons that coaches should renew their SCTNZ membership for the new financial which began on 1 July 2025.

“Coach members will have access to support on employment and complaint matters, participate in professional development and networking opportunities at discounted rates, participate in webinars, tap into a vast range of coaching resources and celebrate coaching achievement in a new coach recognition programme."

SCTNZ Membership Renewal

Whilst there are a few streams that SCTNZ and Swimming NZ are collectively working on, one of the first priorities is preparing for the SWIMCONZ Conference that will be held from 7 – 9 November in Wellington.

Swimming NZ’s Olympic Head Coach, Graham Hill, is looking forward to attending his first conference in New Zealand.

“It’s incredibly important for our coaches to come together away from pool deck to connect, learn, share and celebrate our industry. I’m looking forward to further connecting with our coaches at the conference and I strongly encourage all coaches to ensure they attend the conference. There will be a range of opportunities to grow and develop.”

Tickets are now available to purchase to attend the conference.