5-6 September, Jet Park Hotel, Hamilton
Coaches & Leaders Conference 2026
Key Information:
Date: 5-6th September 2026, Jetpark Hamilton
Timing: Conference will open at 8:30 for 9am start time each day. The conference will close 2:30pm Sunday.
Meals: All meals including dinner are included in your ticket cost. Contact coachdevelopment@rowingnz.kiwi if you have not informed us of dietary requirements
Rowing NZ is excited to host the Coach and Leaders Conference this September in Hamilton. While previous conferences have been targeted at coaches, this year we are expanding the programme to include a dedicated stream supporting club leaders and committee members, recognising the important role they play in developing our sport.
The conference has been hosted around the country in recent years, with the most recent event held in Wellington in 2024, and has consistently delivered a valuable and enjoyable experience for all involved. With a diverse range of speakers and topics covered, there will be something to benefit everyone.
See below for speaker and session information. See below for speaker and session information.
Tickets are highly subsidised and places are limited, so get in early to secure your spot.
Speakers
Master of Ceremonies
Ian Cartwright
Ian Cartwright is a Christchurch-based sales coach. The author of two sales books, he is known for his clear, actionable approach, empowering B2B sales professionals and SME owners through structured guidance, practical tools, and engaging workshops.
An engaging speaker and MC, Ian is also keen master’s rower and an enthusiastic rowing commentator, bringing energy and insight to the sport he loves.
Keynote
Angie Dougal
Angie Dougal is a High Performance Coaching Consultant based in Auckland, working with coaches and performance staff to design and deliver effective high‑performance development environments. Angie has extensive experience supporting coach learning, leadership, and system development across elite sport, including Olympic coaching roles in 2020 and 2024. Angie was also the owner and manager of New Zealand’s largest trampoline club for 18 years, bringing strong expertise in programme leadership, athlete development pathways, and sustainable performance growth.
Keynote
Craig Philpott
Craig Philpott is a highly experienced high performance coach developer, educator, and former professional rugby player with over 30 years’ experience coaching at all levels, from grassroots to international. A former Crusaders, Canterbury, Hawke’s Bay, and New Zealand Under 20 Head Coach — including World Championship success — Craig brings deep practical insight into creating environments that maximise performance through trust, clarity, and psychological safety. Alongside a 20year career in secondary education and school leadership, he currently works as NZ Rugby’s High Performance Coach Developer and South Island HP Coach Development Manager, supporting coaches across elite programmes. Craig also runs his own consultancy, providing leadership, mentoring, and professional practice support to coaches and organisations nationally and internationally.
Keynote
Dr Emily Carter, PhD
Dr Emily Carter has over decade of experience in high-performance sport. She is a qualified physiotherapist, holds a PHD in paedeatric strength and conditioning, and is currently the Head of High Performance at Tennis NZ.
Emily brings a strong focus on athlete wellbeing, long-term development, and evidence-based coaching, and is particularly passionate about supporting female athletes through puberty and adolescence in sport.
Keynote
Ben Owers
Ben Owers is Canterbury based. He is the Coaching Lead at Hockey New Zealand, leading coaching systems and development across community and performance pathways nationwide.
He has over 10 years of experience in sport development, primarily in hockey, and has coached age group provincial teams in both NZ and abroad.
Ben is also a Coach Educator and Trainer (of Educators) with the International Hockey Federation, supporting coach development globally.
He holds a Master of Sport, Exercise and Health with First Class Honours from AUT, bringing an evidence informed approach to coach development, athlete development and quality sporting experiences.
Keynote
Ben Skeen
Mr Ben Skeen joined St Paul’s Collegiate School as Headmaster in 2021, bringing extensive leadership experience from Auckland Grammar School, where he held a variety of senior management and pastoral roles, including Associate Headmaster.
Since joining St Paul’s, Mr Skeen has led a period of significant growth and development for the school. He has spearheaded major curriculum innovation through the introduction of the St Paul’s Diploma, alongside driving integrated pastoral approaches, to enhance the student experience for all. He has also been passionate about advancing the School’s Master Campus Property Plan, including the vision for and activation of ‘The Hive’, a purpose-built wellbeing centre designed to support students and families, while providing a welcoming space for whaanau, Collegians and friends of St Paul’s.
Breakout Session Speakers
Alongside our keynote presenters, the conference will feature a range of expert‑led breakout sessions.
Coach Breakout Sessions will cover:
- Utilising data and technology in your programme
- Athlete wellbeing
- Strength and conditioning
- Coaching pathway rowers
Leaders Breakout Sessions will cover:
- Diversity and inclusion
- Sport integrity
- Club growth and sustainability
- Fundraising and equipment