High Performance Hub
Resources for those competing at the highest levels
The Pathway
Bowls New Zealand has a clear pathway for aspiring Blackjacks. This illustrates the pathway from Club Champion to Blackjacks World Champion, and has set clear performance tiers from which athletes can be identified and evaluated.
The Right Talent
Bowls New Zealand will make an investment in the right talent (athletes), through a robust identification and selection process, utilising established succession planning tools. This will ensure alignment of structured development and performance programmes, and an effective athlete performance plan process with the athletes.
The Right People
Bowls New Zealand will continue to invest in the right people to lead and deliver our world-class programmes and campaigns, both on and off the green, leading to the 2025 World Cup, 2026 Commonwealth Games, 2027 World Championships, and 2028 World Cup.
The Right Environment
Bowls New Zealand invests in an environment and culture that challenges and celebrates success.
The Right Time
Investing in the Right Talent, the Right People, and the Right Environment all must align with the Right Time.
Ensuring the right people are working with the athletes on their own individual plans when they need them, at the right time (micro view).
Aligning preparation for pinnacle events with key tournaments and training camps (macro view).
High Performance Team Support
MIKE KERNAGHAN
Head Coach + Convenor of Selectors
KEVIN SMITH
Para Lead
GAYLE MELROSE
Performance Lead
EMILY BELTON
Performance Lead
(on parental leave)
GRAEME REES
National Coach Development Lead
JOHN QUINN
Mental Skills and Wellbeing Director
JULIE BLAKE
High Performance Manager
SHARON SIMS
National Selector
LANCE TASKER
National Selector
TRISH CROOT
National Selector
High Performance Wider Training Squad 2024-25