Rowing New Zealand’s Community and Schools Rowing Co-Ordinator emailed this letter to all clubs on 15th July 2025. Please ensure your club committee and your masters members respond with feedback before the 29 August deadline.
Hello Rowing Community,
A Strategy for the Future of Masters Rowing in New Zealand
In July 2024, Rowing New Zealand formed a national Masters working group to prepare a strategic plan for Masters in New Zealand. The Masters group has worked through a planning process and have prepared a draft plan for consultation.
What We Need From You
Attached is a draft 5 year strategy. Before it is finalised, we’re seeking feedback from the rowing community—especially current and potential Masters rowers, coaches, club leaders and regional Associations.
We need your feedback by Friday 29th August 2025.
- Do you support the action focus this draft plan outlines?
- What resonates with your experience and understanding of Masters rowing?
- What’s missing?
- What are your thoughts on the formation of a National Masters Committee?
Have Your Say
Please share your thoughts through our feedback form.
Why Now?
Masters participation is growing, they enjoy the camaraderie of participating in regattas and events domestically and overseas. However Masters are a key volunteer group and risk burnout, coaching gaps exist, there are equipment access conflicts, and inconsistent regatta planning, especially between islands. Without national coordination, these issues may continue to frustrate rowers and limit growth.
Implementation Proposal
It is proposed to form a National Masters Committee—three representatives from each island— who would lead the implementation and work alongside RNZ and Associations. Clear KPIs will track progress, from membership and regatta numbers to satisfaction with Masters rowing.
Findings
Masters rowing is the engine room of New Zealand’s club rowing system. Representing nearly 30% of national club membership, Masters rowers are far more than participants—they are coaches, fundraisers, committee leaders, and the volunteer core that keeps many clubs afloat. Yet despite this vital contribution, the Masters community is significantly under-supported in current structures.
This draft strategy outlines a long-term vision and practical roadmap to ensure Masters rowing is visible, valued, and vibrant by 2030. It identifies six strategic priorities shaped by extensive research, national consultation, and international best practice:
- Regattas and Events – Build a coherent, flexible national calendar with varied race formats that support all levels of participation.
- Value and Voice – Embed Masters representation at all decision-making levels and shift the culture to respect lifelong participation.
- Coaching – Develop age-appropriate coaching pathways and peer-to-peer support to lift skills, safety, and enjoyment.
- Promotion and Visibility – Celebrate Masters’ stories, attract new members, and raise the profile of the community.
- Future Opportunities – Grow participation through social, coastal, and international rowing, plus touring and regional camps.
- Resourcing and Collaboration – Establish a National Masters Committee and unlock shared funding, plant access, and knowledge.
Please let myself or Sue Wright (sue.wright1104@gmail.com) know if you have any questions
Kind regards,
Rebecca Milicich
Community and Schools Rowing Co-Ordinator
022 306 3164