National Team Selectors 2026

Job Description

 

Reports To: TTNZ Management

Location: New Zealand

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 dedicated, motivated, and dynamic individuals to join our National Selectors Panel. 

Position Overview

To identify, assess, and select athletes to represent New Zealand in national and international table tennis events, in alignment with TTNZ’s selection policy and strategic objectives. The role ensures fairness, transparency, and consistency in all selection decisions. 

The Selection Panels (for National, Para, Veteran) will consist of three appointed members on each panel and will serve a two-year term, overseeing the selection of all athletes relevant to each panel.

Each Selector will ensure that they know, understand, and follow the TTNZ Selection Policy for all selections. They will ensure that they know, understand, and follow the TTNZ Ranking System & Regulations, TTNZ National Tournament Regulations and the TTNZ Annual Player Ranking Regulations.

Job Title Type of engagement

National Team Selectors

Voluntary with approved expenses for travel and accommodation. Annual honorarium for the National Team Selection panel convenor.
National Veteran Team Selectors Voluntary with approved expenses for travel and accommodation
National Para Team Selectors Voluntary with approved expenses for travel and accommodation. Annual honorarium for the National Para Team Selection panel convenor.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Compliance & Policy Application

  • To comply with the TTNZ Selection criteria for any tournament as published on the TTNZ website. 
  • To apply the TTNZ selection criteria appropriately and consistently.
  • In the case of any clarification required to discuss with the TTNZ Development Manager for guidance.

2. Athlete Selection

  • Select athletes to represent New Zealand in team and individual events.
  • Provide input for doubles pairings and appoint non-travelling reserves as required.
  • Provide all selections to the TTNZ Development Manager by the advised deadlines, including any relevant supporting rationale used.

3. National & Regional Squad support

  • To assist with the annual selection of National and Regional Squads.
  • To make enquiries regarding eligibility and age of players whose results merit consideration for Regional and National squads, providing advice on selection criteria where appropriate. 
  • To notify the TTNZ Development Manager, of the selections on or before advised deadlines, in written format including any relevant supporting rationale used.  

4. Athlete Monitoring

  • To be aware of all relevant athlete results (national and international).
  • Understand playing strengths and weaknesses of athletes in consideration for selection for Squads and/or NZ representation.  

5. Communication and Collaboration

  • Communicate professionally and constructively with the TTNZ Development Manager.
  • Liaise with national coaches and other officials as directed by the TTNZ Development Manager.
  • Meet all deadlines required by TTNZ, ITTF-Oceania, ITTF, Paralympics NZ, and the NZOC.

6. Trials, Assessments and Tournament Attendance

  • Attend all relevant qualification events in collaboration with the TTNZ Development Manager.                                                                                                o The appointed Convenor will coordinate meetings (in person, online, or via email) and maintain accurate records and minutes.                                  o Forward all minutes to the TTNZ Development Manager in a timely manner.
  • TTNZ shall allocate an annual budget for attendance at tournaments and expenses, with National Championships given highest priority.
  • The closest residing National Selector should attend the NZ Open Championships, North and South Island Championships, Top X, NZ Para Open Championships and relevant National and Regional training camps where possible.

7. Rankings and Seedings requirements 

  • Complete the Annual National Rankings in time for inclusion in the TTNZ Annual Report. 
  • Review overseas players and determine their seeding relative to NZ players and notify the Competition Manager accordingly for National Tournaments as in alignment with the National Tournament Regulations.
Protocols and conflicts of interest  
  • Selectors must act with integrity, impartiality, and transparency always, declaring any real, potential, or perceived conflict of interest to maintain fairness and trust in the process. No selector shall partake in a selection decision regarding any player they coach and must allow their fellow selectors to complete the process with only input that is requested.   

  • Applicants for selector roles must declare any factors that could affect their impartiality. TTNZ Board members and the CEO, who review and approve selections, are ineligible to serve as selectors. Individuals who regularly coach high-performance players or groups for remuneration should also not apply, to avoid conflicts of interest.

  • In each case, two selectors may agree to finalise a selection. If they fail to reach agreement, the matter is to be referred to the TTNZ Development Manager.

  • It is desirable that at least two selectors are present at key identified tournaments in the TTNZ National Tournament calendar, and those two selectors are not partaking as players.

  • If any conflict of interest arises, or a selector becomes unable to continue the workload of their role, the matter is to be raised with the TTNZ Development Manager who shall seek CEO approval for either a temporary or permanent replacement.  

  • All communication and statements shall be made via the selection panel convenor. The convenor may delegate this responsibility to another panel member if necessary. All communication regarding selections is to be approved by the TTNZ CEO prior to being published, posted, or released publicly.

  • Selectors must always represent TTNZ professionally, both in appearance and behaviour at events, and exercise appropriate discretion and confidentiality in all correspondence. They must never discuss selections with anyone other than the TTNZ Development Manager or CEO.

  • Maintain respect for all TTNZ policies and ranking systems, and refrain from any negative commentary or personal opinions. 

  • To immediately report any approaches that inappropriately influence selections to the TTNZ Development Manager or CEO. 

Key Relationships  
  • TTNZ Development Manager

  • TTNZ CEO 

  • TTNZ Operations Manager and Partnership Managers

Candidate Requirements

Skills and Attributes: 

  • Strong knowledge of table tennis at national and international levels. 

  • Sound judgement and objectivity in decision-making. 

  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

  • Integrity, confidentiality, and impartiality. 

  • Ability to analyse performance data and contextual factors. 

  • Understanding and alignment to TTNZ’s strategic goals and athlete development pathways.

Experience and Qualifications: 

  • Previous experience in athlete selection, coaching, or high-level competition is desirable. 

  • Familiarity with TTNZ and ITTF competition structures. 

Term and Commitment:

  • Appointed for a fixed 2 yr term. 

  • Expected to attend selection meetings, review athlete performances, and attend relevant tournaments as required.  

Who Should Apply

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

  • Have experience in athlete selection, coaching, or high-performance sport environments.
  • Have strong analytical skills and sound judgement.
  • Thrive in a collaborative, structured and decision making environment.
  • Are committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and alignment with TTNZ values.

TTNZ encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those with Para sport knowledge or experience.

Application Process
  1. Expression of Interest (EOI): Applications close Friday, 9th January 2026, 5:00 PM.
  2. Interviews: 12th - 16th January 2026
  3. Appointments finalised: by 18th January  2026

 APPLY HERE 

Remuneration

Volunteer position (expenses will be paid in accordance with TTNZ policies).

Contact 

For questions regarding the role, please contact:

Naina Suri – TTNZ Development Coordinator
📧naina@tabletennis.nz
📱 027 324 6868