News & Updates

28 October 2022 • High Performance

Scott Newman appointed in key Athletics NZ high performance role

Experienced sports administrator Scott Newman has been appointed as Athletics NZ High Performance Director.

We are delighted to announce Scott Newman has been appointed as Athletics NZ High Performance Director following a thorough and rigorous recruitment process.

Scott was initially confirmed in the role in January in a temporary capacity to provide stability and continuity in the HP programme in 2022 following the departure of former Athletics NZ High Performance Director Scott Goodman.

The job was formally advertised in September and following a thorough interview process Scott emerged as the strongest candidate. He boasts more than 30 years’ experience in sport and high performance leadership, including serving as Athletics NZ Chief Executive from 2007-2014 and as Athletics NZ HP Coach Manager from 2017 until January this year.

Scott has overseen a successful year of international competition with New Zealand teams impressing at the World Indoor Championships, World Athletics Championships, World U20 Championships and Birmingham Commonwealth Games.

The appointments panel was overseen by an experienced team including, Rio Olympic rowing silver medallist Genevieve Macky, an Athletics NZ Board member who served as a member of the recent Cycling New Zealand and High Performance Sport Independent Inquiry; Three-time Commonwealth Games hammer medallist and member of the Athletics NZ Athletes’ Commission Julia Ratcliffe, and HPSNZ Head of Performance Team Leaders Chris Morrison, who formerly led the HPSNZ HP Sport Leadership Development Programme.

Athletics NZ CE and two-time Olympian, Peter Pfitzinger, who formerly served as HPSNZ GM Capacity and Expertise, also sat on the panel.

Peter Pfitzinger said: ““We are delighted to announce that Scott Newman has been appointed in the permanent role of Athletics NZ High Performance Director. Scott brings a wealth of sport leadership experience across a number of sports in addition to athletics. The panel was impressed with Scott’s understanding of the evolving role of HP Director and in particular his vision for working together with athletes and coaches towards Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.”

Scott Newman said: “I’m humbled and excited to be given the opportunity to lead our High Performance programme on an ongoing basis. We are blessed to have a broad and developing range of world-class athletes making their mark internationally, underpinned by quality coaching and support teams. I look forward to playing a part in expanding the supportive environment around our athletes as well as taking on the performance challenges of the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028.”