Issue date
Kirsten Moratz has been making an impact at a regional level and now wants to do that nationally after taking on the role of Yachting New Zealand's coach development manager.
Moratz replaces Peter Soosalu, who has taken up a role as Yachting New Zealand's performance and technical analyst, and comes with an appreciation of what the coaching landscape looks like outside of the main centres.
She's been coaching in New Zealand for six years and Waikato for the last four, even establishing her own sailing school to support clubs in the region. Now the Canadian has the opportunity to extend her reach throughout the country.
"I have always been very passionate about coach development," she said. "That's one of my favourite things about being a head coach, seeing the growth and confidence of youth coaches and the enjoyment they get out of different aspects of sailing. To be able to make change at a national level is really exciting.
"Something I'm really keen to do is create more opportunities for continual growth in coaches. We lose a lot of coaches when they go off to university and others because they're not aware of where coaching can take them. A lot of head coaches in New Zealand are international coaches, and I'm saying that as an international myself, so it's about creating the right pathways for coaches here."
Moratz is known for mixing things up as a coach. She created sailing quidditch about five years ago, something that's immensely popular with the youngsters she coaches, and admits she's constantly trying to bring in new ideas to keep young sailors engaged.
"Most kids finish [learn to sail] level three and don't really want to or aren't ready to go racing, and we often lose them from our sport," she said. "We need to give them something else which means giving coaches the resources to keep them interested.
"I guess I am the sort of person who can create games on the fly and not everyone can do that so I'd like to develop our network where coaches can share their ideas and give coaches more options."
Moratz only started in the role with Yachting New Zealand last week, but is keen to connect with head coaches around the country and hear from other coaches looking to develop their skills and knowledge. She can be contacted on kirsten@yachtingnz.org.nz
