About Croquet New Zealand (CNZ)
Croquet New Zealand (CNZ) is seeking a new Chief Executive to succeed the current incumbent. Over the past four years, CNZ has navigated a successful post-Covid recovery, achieving a 7.5% net increase in affiliated members and establishing a strong organisational framework that connects Clubs, Associations, and CNZ into a cohesive national structure. The incoming Chief Executive will inherit a sound, well-managed, and future-focused organisation. While CNZ is currently based in Wellington, the role can be performed from elsewhere in New Zealand.
As a Partnership Sport within the Sport New Zealand system, CNZ now stands at the threshold of the next stage in its development.
About the role
The new Chief Executive will lead the ongoing growth and evolution of croquet in New Zealand. The key immediate opportunities include:
- Accelerating the growth of croquet as a sport that supports community health, recreation, and wellbeing for participants of all ages and physical abilities, leveraging the nationwide network of 111 croquet facilities. New Zealand has the highest number of croquet clubs per capita among the world’s leading croquet nations.
- Building on CNZ’s strong record of international success. New Zealand teams and players have won five of the eight major international croquet titles. A New Zealander has claimed the U21 World Golf Croquet Championship in five of the seven tournaments held, including the most recent. Over the next two years, CNZ will host both the World Association Croquet Championships and the World Golf Croquet Championships, followed by the World Association Croquet Teams Championship in early 2030.
Future growth and development will require challenging outdated perceptions of the game and promoting its physical, mental, and social benefits to attract new participants. CNZ’s recently enhanced structure will provide the foundation to strengthen Association and Club operations, support the recruitment and coaching of new players, and encourage increased participation at all levels.
To sustain and grow the sport, ongoing financial investment and strategic partnerships will be essential, particularly to engage rangatahi and emerging players. This will include strengthening coaching systems nationwide through Associations and creating clear development pathways for those with national and international potential, supporting their technical, strategic, and psychological development to achieve inspirational results on the world stage.
About you
Applicants should bring senior leadership experience within at least a mid-sized, multi-layered organisation, sound financial acumen, and excellent communication and relationship management skills.
This role will appeal to someone who is motivated by purpose and community impact—someone who values the opportunity to contribute to the growth and long-term success of a sport that supports connection, wellbeing, and participation across generations.
Details of the Chief Executive role are outlined in Clause 10.11 of the CNZ Constitution.
Applications for the role close at 12pm Monday the 17th of November.
To apply please follow this LINK.
