Sport Northland’s Voice of the Coach survey has captured the voices and real-life experiences of community coaches across Te Tai Tokerau — highlighting both the rewarding and challenging aspects of coaching in our region.

The findings reveal that while coaches are deeply motivated by helping young people grow and thrive through sport, many are also navigating significant challenges. These include time pressures, limited access to resources, and the emotional strain that can come with balancing coaching alongside other life commitments.

Despite these hurdles, the survey paints a powerful picture of a passionate and committed coaching community — one that continues to show up and make a positive difference in the lives of tamariki and rangatahi across Northland.

Coaches who participated in the survey identified several key areas where they would value more support. These include:

• Mentoring and guidance for new or less experienced coaches,
• Better access to equipment,
• More opportunities for learning in the coaching realm.

In response, the Northland Sports Coalition is working collaboratively to strengthen coach development and wellbeing across the region. Guided by the Northland Coaching Plan, the Coalition is now focusing on delivering more targeted, regionally relevant support that meets the real needs of coaches on the ground in its second year of implementation.

“The Voice of Coach survey helps the Northland Sports Coalition steer the Northland Coaching Plan in the direction where coaches need the most support,” says Madeline Whittam, Regional System Connector at Sport Northland. “By listening to what coaches' value most, we’re able to respond with more meaningful and practical support. We look forward to continuing this work and seeing what the 2025 survey reveals”.

By listening to coaches and acting on their feedback, the Northland sports system is taking real steps to strengthen sport from the sidelines up — ensuring coaches feel valued, supported, and inspired to keep making a difference in their communities.

If you would like to give you feedback on coaching in Northland; fill in the survey here

Article written by Madeline Whittam, Regional System Connector