Performance Development Squad (PDS)

A two year programme for emerging athletes demonstrating future performance potential. PDS members receive invitations to relevant camps; and planning support to assists with learning the fundamentals of developing performance.

Stage of Development:
Developing Performance
Athlete Age:
Approximately 16-19 years old
Support Numbers:
Approximately 20 athletes
Athletics NZ High Performance Primary Contact:
Tim Driesen
Programme Selection Guidelines:
Selection is dependent on athlete performance potential (performance level and progression) and relevant age/stage development needs.
Athlete Selection Timeframes:
Once per year – Post New Zealand domestic season (April)
Programme Review Timelines:

Yearly, after New Zealand domestic season

Programme Exit:
At the end of the two year programme; however, a second year of involvement will only be offered if the athlete/coach demonstrate an engagement and commitment to their development. If this is not the case, de-selection may occur after the first year.

Athletics NZ Available Support

  • Individual Development Planning support
  • Invitation to PDS and relevant event group camps or tours
  • Funding support may be available to attend Athletics NZ PDS or event group camps

High Performance Sport NZ Available Support

Click here to view.

Current PDS Athletes

HPSNZ Support Level: Athlete Event Group Location Coach Club
Identification Addira Collette Sprints Manawatu George McConachy Palmerston North Athletic and Harrier Club
Identification Angus Lyver Combined Events Christchurch James Sandilands Palmerston North Athletic and Harrier Club
Identification Ben Walker Jumps Nelson Terry Lomax Athletics Nelson
Identification Blessing Sefo Throws Auckland John Eden Waitakere City Athletics
Identification Boh Ritchie Distance Hamilton Ange Russek Hamilton City Hawks
Identification Catherine Lund Distance Dunedin Rebekah Greene Ariki AA & HC
Identification Charli Gardiner-Hall Throws Auckland John Eden Waiuku Districts AAC
Identification Chayille Collette Sprints Manawatu George McConachy Palmerston North Athletic and Harrier Club
Identification Cooper Wightman Distance Christchurch Team Petty Selwyn AC
Identification Gabrielle Wright Sprints Auckland James Kugler TTT Runners
Identification George Wyllie Distance Tauranga Craig Kirkwood Athletics Tauranga Inc (Tauranga Ramblers)
Identification James McLeay Distance Invercargill James Ansell St Pauls A & HC
Identification Jamie Mora Distance Auckland Nick Codyre Whippets Running Project
Identification Jaxon Woolley Sprints / Jumps Tauranga Kerry Hill Tauranga Athletics 
Identification Jonah Cropp Walks Christchurch Rozie Robinson Sumner Running Club
Identification Kadin Taylor Sprints Auckland Nuree Greenhalgh Waitakere City Athletic Club Inc
Identification Madeleine Waddell Sprints / Hurdles Hamilton Sonia Waddell Hamilton City Hawks Athletics Inc
Identification Marielle Venida Sprints Auckland Kerry Hill Pakuranga Athletic Club Inc
Identification Mia De Jager Sprints / Jumps Hamilton Criss Strange Hamilton City Hawks Athletics Inc
Identification Milly Marshall-Kirkwood Throws Taranaki John Eden Athletics Taranaki Inc
Identification Naomi Waite Jumps Wellington Mike Ritchie Wellington Harrier Athletic Club Inc
Identification Paddy Walsh Sprints / Jumps Auckland Mitch Joynt North Harbour Bays
Identification Percy Maka Throws Auckland John Maka Western Elite Throws Academy
Identification Rafe Couillault Jumps Auckland Brent Booker Papakura 
Identification Rorie Poff Throws Christchurch Rorie Poff Papanui Toc H
Identification Sarah James Sprints Christchurch Blanche Hebert  New Brighton Olympic Athletic Club 
Identification Sionnan Murphy Throws Auckland Walter Gill Takapuna
Identification Thomas Cowan Distance Auckland George McConachy North Harbour Bays Athletics
Identification Zachary Orbell Sprints / Jumps Auckland Johan Fourie Papakura Athletics and Harrier Club