With Triathlon NZ coach, Craig Kirkwood, and Athlete Development Manager Chris Willetts, based in Tauranga, along with the other HPSNZ supported sports of Rugby Sevens, Beach Volleyball and Speed Climbing in Mount Maunganui, it was the logical location for a performance pod supported by the Cambridge-based Waikato hub, says Head of Performance Pathways, Tracey Paterson.
“We have developed a partnership with the Adams Centre in Mount Maunganui which means NSO identified performance athletes can access the gym, pool, strength and conditioning, and other performance support resources without needing to leave town,” says Tracey.
Newly appointed Regional Pathway lead for Bay of Plenty, Ross Machejefski, says funding for the high performance centre affords the all-important access to resources across sports for high performance athletes and up and comers.
“Two pre-HP and four to five high performance triathletes are currently using the facilities and athlete performance support resources and that is expected to increase as we continue to work with NSOs and understand who their athletes and coaches are and what the need in the Bay is to optimise their performance, sport and life careers,” says Ross.
Chris says for the last nine months his triathletes have been able to access what was previously a pretty closed shop.
“Triathlon is an individual sport so it is easy for the athletes to get isolated and spend all their time on their own. Access to the HPSNZ pod provides them with tailored support and very important social interaction with other athletes, across codes, which is an important part of the development journey,” he says.
Ross’ appointment as the regional performance pathway lead is also a move which Chris applauds. “He is an integral part of the process and is key to facilitating quality regional support for all codes. The collective of sports makes it more powerful for each and every one of them.”
HPSNZ’s Performance Pathway team is looking to understand and connect with key partners, athletes and coaches across the wider Bay of Plenty region.
“We are continuing to explore other opportunities in the wider Bay of Plenty,” says Tracey. “For example, Rotorua has a cycling academy led by a national coach, and the National Equestrian Centre is situated in Taupō. We will work with the respective NSOs to understand their performance pathway needs with the view to enabling both current and future athletes in their international endeavours.”
