NZWP Update - December 2022

NZWP DECEMBER 2022 UPDATE

As the year draws to a close, we can reflect on a very diverse season, from being in lockdown, traffic lights and MIQ in full swing to now almost retuning back to pre-Covid life. We are very proud of our NZ teams who have competed on the international stage after no competitive exposure for two years. Not to mention the Covid protocols, escalation of travel costs and a war in Europe. So, a big shout out to all involved – well done! Well done also to the Clubs who have kept themselves afloat, their athletes engaged, and staff retained – you are the backbone of the sport and an essential part of water polo in NZ. Thanks to everyone involved in the new NZWP Constitution – this has been two years’ work and the new Constitution was unanimously passed at the recent SGM – this will simplify NZWP governance work and assist with compliance. NZWP will have a database and the ability to communicate directly with all stakeholders which we are looking forward to. We are underway with an upgraded website and IT systems. Link for membership – coming very soon. 2023: We are continuing to add coaches to our pathway squads, the information can be found here: https://www.waterpolo.org.nz/performance/coaching-team/ Plans are underway for rep teams to compete in:  FINA Intercontinental Cup – Men (Saudi Arabia) Women (Peru)  FINA U20 Men (Romania) and Women’s (Portugal) Worlds  FINA Women’s Worlds (Japan)  NB. (FISU 2023 University Games – UTSNZ is not supporting NZ teams to attend) Travelling Tours:  Sydney Super League  Men’s US University training and test matches  Test matches between NZ and AUS  Australian State Champs  U18 international events TBC Training: Age Group Camps will continue for the selected Squads NZ Women’s development programme: Continuing on from the success of the women’s centralised training programme in 2022 (as communicated in July's newsletter), a more formalised performance centre will begin in 2023 based out of Diocesan pool. This will include all wider senior women squad members, 2023 U20 women (including the 2005 athletes) and identified 2022 U18 squad women, Please note: from time-to-time invited athletes based on positional and training needs will also join the sessions. Satellite versions of this performance centre will begin in Christchurch and Wellington. Detailed information will be circulated very soon. Work has begun for a men’s performance squad to begin training in Auckland. The new NZWP Flippa Ball model is still evolving and will continue its growth with the addition of a festival event in 2023. Events: We have several new initiatives to roll out in 2023 and beyond; to assist us in this space, Eelco Uri will join our team on a part time basis. Eelco will add event experience and of course bring a wealth of water polo knowledge to NZWP operations. We look forward to Eelco working with us in the new year. Date to save: AGM and NZWP National Awards - 18th March in Auckland. The deadline for NZWP National Award nominations is 13th February 2023. Please follow THIS LINK for more information and links to the online nomination forms (PDF versions are available too). Finally, a massive thanks to all of our supporters, funders,