Canoe Racing New Zealand is putting more boots on the ground, with three new Pathway Coordinators set to become familiar faces at clubs from Auckland to Christchurch.
Kendra Tate, Carl Newman and Leigh Barker have been appointed to the part-time roles, giving athletes, coaches and clubs around the country direct regional support for the first time. All three will work under Chris Emmett, National Pathway Lead, as part of an expanded pathway team.
Funding earmarked specifically for pathway development made the roles possible. Canoe Racing New Zealand describes the appointments as the next phase of its pathway strategy.
Tate is based in Auckland and will cover the Upper North Island. She brings experience in athlete and coach development, along with strong relationship-building skills and a passion for helping young paddlers develop both on and off the water.
Newman, based in Gisborne, takes on the Central and Lower North Island. His background is in talent identification and athlete development, with a solid grasp of the environments and relationships that help paddlers progress through the pathway.
Barker will look after the South Island from his base in Christchurch. He arrives with more than 30 years of coaching and athlete development experience spanning canoe racing and surf lifesaving, including significant involvement in athlete identification, coach development, Junior and U23 programmes, international campaigns and Paralympic sport.
All three have started in their roles and have already begun connecting with athletes, coaches and clubs in their regions. Further direct communication to pathway athletes and coaches will be sent shortly.
Strong international results are built on strong development systems, and sustained success requires ongoing investment in the pathway beneath it. For Canoe Racing New Zealand, that investment is now focused on strengthening athlete identification, development and progression opportunities across the country, building the depth required for success through LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
