Christian Penny to lead acclaimed HP Coach Accelerator Programme
Based in Wellington, Christian will join HPSNZ on the 4th February 2019 as part of the HP Coaching Team and be responsible for leading the strategic development and implementation of the highly acclaimed Coach Accelerator Programme.
Confirming the appointment Michael Scott, Chief Executive of HPSNZ, said, “We are delighted to secure someone of Christian’s calibre to a critical role for our organisation. Christian’s unique approach and experience as a director of performance, an educator of coaches and culture change agent will bring considerable value to the next phase of development for the Coach Accelerator Programme and build on the outstanding impact achieved by the previous programme leaders, Alex McKenzie and Lyn Gunson”.
The Coach Accelerator Programme (CAP) offers distinctive and unique high performance coach development over three years. Small cross sport diverse cohorts continue their coaching practice while engaging in individualised development opportunities as well as an intensive residential series of planned activities that integrate multidisciplinary engagement among facilitators and participants. The Programme draws upon the principles of social construction, action learning and self-awareness through critical self-reflection, and focuses on applying coaching and leadership principles and practices to each participant’s coaching context.
As part of Christian’s role, he will oversee the development and implementation of the CAP Strategic Plan in consultation with key stakeholders and design and facilitate intensive residentials as well as lead the interface with partners to encourage optimal learning and performance environments for CAP coaches.
“The development of world class coaches is a priority for HPSNZ. Through the Coach Accelerator Programme, we aim to help coaches develop their leadership and coaching styles to accelerate their development, so they’re capable of producing more World, Olympic and Paralympic Champions”, said Mr. Scott.
A highly respected leader in the performing arts community, Christian joins HPSNZ from Toi Whakaari, New Zealand’s premier drama academy where as CEO he guided the introduction of a NZ-focused pedagogy, known as Kōiwitanga. This has led to a new learning culture that has transformed teaching practice and elevated student engagement, recently achieving the highest standard in academic performance as recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
Christian was also instrumental in introducing a ground-breaking leadership development programme, entitled Ruku Ao, which uses indigenous frameworks to develop collaboration and communication skills across a range of government departments.
A regular contributor to CAP over the last six years, Christian is currently a member of the CAP Advisory Group and has helped shape the evolution of the programme since 2014.
Commenting on his appointment, Christian explained: “I am very excited to be getting the opportunity to lead a training programme of this quality. CAP is a three year coach development platform. Three years! That speaks volumes about HPSNZ’s commitment to leadership development and support. I am thrilled to be part of that kaupapa”.
