27th January, 2026
About Athletics New Zealand
Athletics New Zealand exists to deliver great athletics experiences for all. Our athletes in the iconic black singlet have created unforgettable moments in New Zealand's sporting history. Athletics is the foundation of all sport (run, jump, throw) and our regional network of centres, clubs, schools, and community partners delivers positive athletics experiences across Aotearoa.
We're leading big shifts in athletics:
- Expanding from a traditional member-based model to engaging a wider, more diverse range of participants, supporters, and followers.
- Evolving our competitions and programmes to serve both traditional pathways and new, inclusive community needs.
- Investing in development and innovation to grow the sport for future generations.
Why South Auckland? South Auckland is one of New Zealand's most vibrant, diverse, and fast-growing communities, home to over 400,000 people and a rich tapestry of cultures, schools, and sporting talent.
It's a region where athletics can make a real difference:
- Building pathways: Connecting tamariki, rangatahi, and adults to lifelong participation in athletics.
- Strengthening clubs: Supporting local clubs to thrive and become anchors for community engagement.
- Championing inclusion: Ensuring equitable access for Māori, Pacific, and under-represented communities, and supporting para-athletes to reach their full potential.
- Partnering for impact: Working alongside schools, Early Childcare Education (ECE) providers, and community organisations to deliver fun, high-quality athletics experiences.
Role Summary: As the Athletics Development Manager for South Auckland, you will:
- Lead the development and alignment of junior-senior club pathways to improve retention and progression.
- Strengthen club capability, governance, and volunteer networks.
- Coordinate coach education and workforce development.
- Establish and manage contractor-led programme delivery in high-need areas, including ECE providers and schools.
- Build strong partnerships with local clubs, schools, CLM Community Sport, and community organisations.
- Champion safeguarding, inclusion, and health & safety across all activities.
- Support para-athletics initiatives and equitable access for all communities.
- Manage budgets, reporting, and contribute to the national development strategy.
This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in one of New Zealand's most important sporting regions - helping more people enjoy athletics and stay involved for longer.
About You: - Experience in people leadership, partnership management, and / or sports administration.
- Strong organisation and multitasking skills with the ability to prioritise tasks.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Proven ability to strategically develop and manage a program or work, inclusive of planning, reporting, administration of resources and budget.
- Knowledge or interest in Athletics is preferred as well as a passion for New Zealand sport.
- Knowledge of South Auckland's communities and sporting environment is an advantage.
- Knowledge of applicable legislation including but not limited to: the Health and Safety at Work Act, the Vulnerable Children's Act and the Privacy Act.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE - Friday 13th February 2026 Future Opportunities Athletics NZ and Athletics Auckland are partnering to deliver the new Activating Auckland strategy, aimed at increasing the number of Development Officers working on the ground across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Over time, a three-strong club support sub-regional model - South, North/West, and Central/East - will be established, with a dedicated development role supporting clubs in each region, aligned to Athletics NZ's proven national model.
The South Auckland role is the first to be recruited; however, expressions of Interest are also welcomed at this stage for future roles across the remaining zones.
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