Job Description-National Team Coaches 2026 

Reports To: TTNZ Management

Location: New Zealand (national and international travel required)

Background

Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ) is the recognised governing body for table tennis in New Zealand, accredited with the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), International Table tennis Federation-Oceania (ITTF-Oceania), Sport New Zealand (Sport NZ), High-Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ), and the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC). TTNZ exists to grow and support table tennis nationwide, inspiring players, coaches, and communities to engage with the sport at every level. Our vision is simple but ambitious: A sport for all, for life. 

At TTNZ, our values guide everything we do:

  • Integrity – do the right thing. Acting with honesty, fairness, and accountability in all we do.
  • Community – stronger together. Fostering collaboration, inclusion, and meaningful relationships.
  • Innovation – learn and lead. Embracing new ideas, continuous improvement, and forward-thinking solutions.

TTNZ are committed to creating an inclusive, performance environment where athletes can reach their full potential and proudly represent New Zealand on the world stage.

TTNZ is now seeking passionate, motivated, and dynamic individuals to join our National Coaching Team. This is a unique opportunity to work with our National Squads and NZ representative teams throughout the 2026 season, helping to shape the next generation of elite table tennis athletes while making a lasting impact on the sport in New Zealand.

Position Overview

National Team Coaches will support the development of national squad athletes by planning and delivering high-quality training programmes covering technical, tactical, physical, and psychological performance.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Develop, monitor, and review Individual Performance Plans (IPPs).
  • Plan and deliver National Training Camps (U15, U19, Open, Hopes).
  • Lead or support Regional Camps as Head Coach.
  • Plan and deliver National Team Preparation Camps.
  • Coach at international competitions, as required.
  • Provide pastoral care to support athlete well-being.
  • Participate in pre-camp planning, mentorship, and professional development.
  • Maintain ongoing professional learning in line with TTNZ standards.
Key Competencies

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

  • Proven coaching experience with competitive athletes.
  • Strong technical and tactical table tennis knowledge.
  • Ability to design and implement athlete development plans (including IPPs).
  • Effective leadership, communication, and collaboration.
  • Commitment to athlete welfare and holistic support.
  • Adaptability and sound decision-making in performance environments.
  • Strategic planning capability for training and competition preparation.
  • Professional integrity and alignment with TTNZ standards and values.
  • Commitment to continuous professional development.
Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Hold a current ITTF coaching certification or equivalent.
  • Be NZ-based or able to reside in New Zealand for all required activities.
  • Should be available for all National and Regional Camps, mentorship, and development sessions.
  • Participate in the National Coach Mentorship Programme and camp planning activities.
  • Demonstrate experience in athlete development, performance analysis, and competition preparation.
  • Show strong organisational and time-management skills.
  • Commit to ongoing growth in a performance environment.
Time Commitments
  • National Camp Coach Mentorship & Planning: 9–14th Jan 2026, ~12–15 hrs
  • National Coach Mentorship Programme: ~8–12 hrs annually
  • National Training Camp: 20–24th Jan 2026
  • Develop, monitor, and review Individual Performance Plans (IPPs) for allocated athletes ~20-30 hrs
  • Regional Camps: 30th May–1st June 2026
  • Preparation and additional camps: As required by TTNZ
  • International Tournaments/Training Camps: Travel may be required to support athletes and representative teams.
New Zealand Team Appointments

Appointments of coaches for NZ representative trips in 2026 will be selected from the wider National Coaching Team. Selections will be based on factors such as:

  • Coaching performance and capability
  • Leadership and communication skills
  • Alignment with TTNZ coaching standards
  • Gender supervision requirements
  • Athlete and team rapport

These appointments offer opportunities to contribute directly to international performance outcomes for New Zealand.

Who Should Apply

This opportunity is suited to coaches who are committed to continuous improvement, excited by challenge, and ready to contribute to the growth and success of table tennis in New Zealand.

TTNZ encourages applications from coaches who:

  • Have a strong coaching background and a track record of developing competitive athletes
  • Are passionate about athlete development and performance
  • Thrive in a collaborative national coaching environment
  • Are eager to work with New Zealand’s most promising table tennis athletes
  • Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and alignment with TTNZ values
Application Process
  1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Applications closed on Tuesday, 2nd December 2025, 5:00 PM
  2. Interviews: Short-listed candidates interviewed 4–8 December 2025
  3. Appointments finalised: by 14 December 2025
Remuneration

Coaches will be remunerated for services provided in accordance with TTNZ coaching rates, which will be detailed in the letter of engagement issued to appointed coaches.

Contact 

For questions regarding the role, please contact:

Jessica MacAskill – TTNZ Development Manager
📧 jessica@tabletennis.nz
📱 022 190 6413