The IHF Trophy Oceania 2024 in Tahiti was more than just a tournament, it was a proving ground for New Zealand’s rising handball talent. As Head of Delegation & High-Performance Lead for NZ Men’s U18 & U20 Teams, my role was to create a structured campaign that:
- Built a competitive squad through a structured selection and preparation process.
- Developed a winning team culture through targeted training camps and team-building initiatives.
- Enhanced NZ’s international reputation through professional execution and digital storytelling.
- Paved the way for future global opportunities.
Process: A Strategic and Holistic Approach
1. Structured Preparation & Training Camps
To ensure the teams were physically and mentally ready, we executed a multi-phase training program designed to progressively refine performance:
- First Camp (Christchurch): Established tactical foundations and team chemistry.
- Second Camp (Rangiora): Increased intensity, focusing on decision-making under pressure.
- Third Camp (Christchurch): Introduced strategic refinements and game simulations.
- Final Pre-Tournament Session (Auckland): Final touches before departure to Tahiti.
2. Learning from Legends: The All Blacks Experience
- Before heading to Tahiti, we immersed the teams in a leadership and high-performance mindset through a session at the All Blacks Experience in Auckland, featuring insights from rugby legend Michael Jones. Players learned about the honour and responsibility of wearing the NZ jersey, a lesson that deepened their understanding of sportsmanship and team identity.
3. Strengthening Team Culture Through Off-Court Initiatives
- Beyond training, we implemented daily captain-led reflections, allowing players to assess mental wellbeing, physical fitness, and team spirit. Additionally, non-handball daily challenges encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and bonding – strengthening team cohesion in an engaging way.
4. Competing at the Oceania Champs 2024
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U18 & U20 Teams won Silver Medals, reinforcing NZ’s position as a rising contender.
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Individual recognitions: Hector Pringot (U18) – MVP, Stanley Schirnack (U20) – Top Goalkeeper.
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NZ Handball’s delegation was widely regarded as the most professionally prepared among participating nations, boosting our international credibility.
Content & Digital Growth
To document and promote the campaign, I led the creation of three key blog articles, providing valuable storytelling and engagement:
📌 Celebrating Silver & Growth – Tournament recap & key takeaways.
📌 Funding & Sponsorships – The financial strategy behind our handball ambitions.
📌 Chasing Gold: The Journey to Oceania Champs 2024 – Behind-the-scenes campaign preparation.
Additionally, we leveraged social media to drive record-breaking engagement:
📊 256,046 Instagram views, 30,197 accounts reached (+615%)
📊 New growth & sponsorship potential from increased visibility
📊 Interested in the World Champs success from 2023? Check out my case study here.
Key Achievements
Through structured preparation and strategic execution, we successfully elevated NZ Handball’s standing in the region. This campaign was a pivotal moment for New Zealand Handball, demonstrating our ability to compete, develop talent, and represent NZ with professionalism.
✅ Silver Medals at Oceania Champs 2024 (U18 & U20 Teams)
✅ Individual MVP & Top Goalkeeper Awards
✅ Professional preparation praised by international counterparts
✅ Strong team culture built through training camps & team-building activities
✅ Pathway established for future global competitions
Next Steps: Scaling NZ Handball’s International Presence
To maintain momentum and sustain future participation, we are now focusing on:
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Securing long-term sponsorships and funding models.
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Strengthening NZHF’s structured pathway for youth & junior players.
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Exploring further global tournament participation, ensuring continued growth.
🚀 Want to be part of NZ Handball’s future? Contact us at [email protected] or follow us on Instagram for the latest updates!
