Water Polo New Zealand launches referee development framework and roadshow

Water Polo NZ is excited to announce the release of our new Referee Development Framework, becoming effective from 1 October 2025. 

This new framework will ensure all WPNZ members have access to basic rule knowledge and map out a clear path for Referees to develop their knowledge as they progress through the referee grades. 

To view the full referee development framework, click here: https://nzwaterpolo.org.nz/referees

All current qualifications will still stand and will be transferred to the new framework. Most current referees will be required to sit a new exam as a refresher, and some may be required to do a new practical assessment. As WPNZ progresses through these transfers, we will reach out if there are any additional requirements. 

Referee development roadshow

As part of rolling out the new Referee Development Framework, we are pleased to be delivering a Referee Development Roadshow throughout October to facilitate new assessments across the nation. 

We have worked closely with esteemed international referee and administrator Nicola Johnson to develop this pathway. We are pleased have Johnson joining us for the Referee Development Roadshow in October.

While on the roadshow, Nicola will be delivering multiple courses, and hosting numerous written exams. The roadshow will be heading to the following cities on these dates:

Dunedin

• Saturday 11 October (C-grade course)
• Sunday 12 October (B-grade course)

Christchurch

• Monday 13 October (Local grade course)
• Tuesday 14 October (C-grade course)

Wellington (TBC)

• Wednesday 15 October (C-grade course)

Tauranga

• Thursday 16 October (C-grade course)

Auckland

• Saturday 18 October (C-grade course)
• Sunday 19 October (B-grade course)

To register for a course, click here: https://forms.office.com/r/mc3hK9bjUR

What to expect during the roadshow 

Each stop of the roadshow will be slightly different, but each course will have the opportunity to sit the written exam. Some dates will also have a practical assessment opportunity for some. 

It is expected that some assessments, including practical assessments, will need to be completed at a later date. Further details on how to arrange this will be available during the course. 

At the roadshow you will be able to collect your whistle, lanyard, referee cards and new uniform shirt, if these have been ordered via Friendly Manager. If you have not ordered these, make sure to register as a Referee on Friendly Manager and select the required items. For full details, check out the instructions below. 

More information is available, here: https://nzwaterpolo.org.nz/referee-development-roadshow

Question and Queries

For any specific questions regarding current qualifications and the new framework, please reach out to officials@nzwaterpolo.org.nz