Yachting New Zealand is calling on sailing coaches across the country to help shape the future of the sport by taking part in a nationwide survey examining the pathways, opportunities and challenges facing coaches at every level.
The Coaching System Survey 2026 aims to build a clearer picture of how people enter coaching, develop their skills, progress through the ranks and experience the environments in which they work.
Yachting New Zealand is seeking feedback from all coaches, regardless of their role or experience level – including women and men, paid and volunteer coaches, and those working in club, class association, youth, performance and high-performance settings.
Raynor Haagh, Yachting New Zealand’s General Manager: Community and Development, said broad participation was essential to ensure the organisation gained an accurate understanding of the current coaching system.
“We want to hear from every corner of the coaching community,” Haagh said. “Whether you’re coaching at a local club, supporting a class association programme, working with youth sailors or involved in high-performance campaigns, your experiences matter. The more voices we hear, the clearer picture we’ll have of what’s working well and where we need to improve.”
The survey forms part of a wider review of the conditions that influence how coaches enter, develop and remain in the sport. It focuses on four key areas: the employment landscape, coach development and progression, culture and inclusion, and keeping coaches safe from harm.
While the review examines the coaching system as a whole, it also includes a specific focus on increasing opportunities for women in coaching.
“Research consistently shows that when barriers facing underrepresented groups are addressed, the entire system becomes stronger,” Haagh said. “We know there is more work to do to increase the number of women in coaching, particularly in performance environments and club head coach roles. This survey will help us identify practical steps to achieve that while creating better experiences and opportunities for all coaches.”
The survey also includes a specific focus on increasing opportunities for women in coaching. Photo / Adam Mustill
Findings from the survey will help inform a national coaching hui later this year and guide future coaching development programmes, pathways and initiatives.
The project is funded through Sport New Zealand’s Women in Coaching – System Development Fund and builds on research already undertaken with sailing coaches, athletes and experts from across the sporting sector by former Olympic sailors Sam Dunn and Justina Kitchen.
Haagh encouraged all coaches to take the opportunity to contribute.
“Every response will help shape the future of coaching in New Zealand sailing,” she said. “This is a chance for coaches to influence the direction of the sport, help create better pathways and environments, and ensure coaching remains strong and sustainable for years to come.”
The survey takes approximately 12-15 minutes to complete. Responses are confidential, and individual participants will not be identified in any reporting.
Originally published by Yachting New Zealand.
