Expressions of interest: Olympic selectors – Yachting New Zealand

• Voluntary positions
• Appointment through to the conclusion of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games

Yachting New Zealand is seeking expressions of interest from high-calibre individuals to join the 2028 Olympic Selection Panel.
The panel of five selectors will play a critical role in New Zealand’s Olympic sailing campaign, assessing performances and recommending sailors and crews for nomination to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The opportunity

New Zealand sailing has one of the proudest records in the nation’s Olympic history. At Paris 2024, Isaac McHardie and Will McKenzie claimed silver in the men’s skiff (49er), while Micah Wilkinson and Erica Dawson secured bronze in the mixed multihull (Nacra 17), taking New Zealand sailing’s Olympic medal tally to 25.

As the LA2028 campaign enters its next phase, our athletes are continuing to make strong progress on the water. We are now seeking individuals with the experience, independence and judgement to help guide the decisions that will shape the next Olympic team.
The five selectors will work collectively across all Olympic classes, applying a consistent selection standard rather than being assigned to individual disciplines.

Selectors will assess athlete performances and recommend sailors and crews to the High Performance Advisory Group (HPAG) for nomination in accordance with Yachting New Zealand’s Olympic Nomination Policy.

The HPAG will consider those recommendations and, where appropriate, nominate athletes to the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC), which has final responsibility for Olympic team selection.

What we’re looking for

Yachting New Zealand is committed to building a selection panel that reflects diversity of background, perspective and experience. Applications are encouraged from candidates with experience across sailing, Olympic sport, governance and high-performance environments. We also welcome interest from individuals outside traditional sailing pathways who can bring valuable expertise, fresh perspectives and complementary skills to the selection process.

Candidates should ideally bring one or more of the following:
•    Ability to contribute to a gender-balanced panel, with a minimum of 40 per cent representation of either gender required.
•    Previous Olympic sailing experience, including Olympic participation and/or medal-winning experience.
•    Strong governance, legal or high-level decision-making expertise.
•    Previous high-performance coaching experience.
•    Medal-winning experience in other Olympic sports.
•    Experience operating in high-performance sporting environments.

About the role

Term: Appointment through to the conclusion of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Time commitment: Voluntary/unpaid position.

Appointment process: The selection process will be led by the High Performance Advisory Group, with final appointments ratified by the Yachting New Zealand Board.

Role: Selectors will assess performances and recommend sailors and crews to the HPAG for nomination consideration across all Olympic classes.