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The Team Behind the Team: Meeting some of the people helping power Rowing New Zealand
When Rowing New Zealand athletes compete on the world stage and train daily on Lake Karapiro, what you see is the result of countless hours of training, discipline, and determination. And behind every stroke, there's a dedicated network of team members working tirelessly to ensure the systems are in place that help our rowers perform at their best.
Logistics and Operations: Making It All Happen
Competing at a world-class level doesn't just happen on the water-it's a logistical puzzle managed by Rowing New Zealand's team. They organise travel to regattas across the globe, ensure boats and equipment arrive in perfect condition, coordinate training schedules that fit athletes' needs, secure funding, and manage budgets to ensure this system works like clockwork from one campaign to the next. Their work is often invisible, but without them, campaigns simply wouldn't happen, and the team wouldn't get anywhere!
Lisa Holton is often described as the queen of admin and logistics at Rowing New Zealand, and with nearly 30 years in the building, it's easy to see why. She runs so much behind the scenes, from day-to-day operations at RNZ to the complex operations of the elite and U23 teams' international tours, as well as managing and tending to the needs of athletes, coaches and support team members within the high-performance program. If it needs organising, Lisa's already on it. It's a running joke that she receives hundreds of messages starting with "Hey Lisa…" followed by a request or question, and somehow, she always has the answer. She knows every corner of the building, understands exactly what athletes need on and off the water, and is often seen as the 'mum' of Rowing New Zealand.
Lisa Holton (far right) with some of the team during the 2025 World Rowing Cup in Varese.
Leadership and Administration: Steering the Ship
Rowing New Zealand's leadership and core operations team members provide the vision, structure, and support that help keep the organisation moving forward in a coordinated way. From the Board and CEO's strategic direction to the work of finance, operations, and marketing, they ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Their efforts create a stable foundation - allowing athletes and coaches to focus fully on performance and excellence, while keeping the wider rowing community informed, connected, and inspired.
Simon Wickham is the Chief Executive of Rowing New Zealand, appointed to the role in 2024. He brings over 30 years of leadership and governance experience in sport, community and commercial sectors. Amongst many other roles in sport, he's previously been CEO of Yachting New Zealand, The Trusts Stadium and is a former Deputy Chair of the NZ Olympic Committee (NZOC), where he also served for 20 years as a selector for the NZOC overseeing the selection of more than 2500 athletes to 10 New Zealand Summer and Winter Olympic teams and 5 Commonwealth Games teams. He's also served several other national sporting bodies, including Cycling NZ's Integrity Steering Committee, High Performance Sport NZ's Board and is a former Chair of Gymsports NZ. In 2022, he was awarded an Olympic Order for his services to sport and the Olympic movement in New Zealand.
At Rowing NZ, he is responsible for driving the organisation's strategic vision-supporting high-performance outcomes, strengthening development pathways, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport at a national level. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Simon plays a key role in leading the team at RNZ to ensure we maintain New Zealand's strong presence on the world rowing stage while fostering connections with key stakeholders and supporters of both high-performance and community rowing across New Zealand.
Simon Wickham speaking on the podium at the 2025 NZ Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha.
Judith Hamilton is a cornerstone of the team behind the team, leading High Performance and carrying forward Rowing New Zealand's world-class legacy. With over 20 years at RNZ, she has played a pivotal role in countless successful World Championship campaigns and Olympic Games. Known for her resilience, pride, and passion, Judith brings unwavering commitment to every aspect of her work. She is often the first point of contact for many within the organisation, unafraid to have the tough conversations when needed, and always keeping the bigger picture in focus. A driving force in the Rowing New Zealand building, Judith's impact is felt across the entire High Performance programme.
Judith Hamilton (far left) with her team of coaches and support staff at the NZ Team welcoming ceremony before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Building Development Pathways and future champions
Competing at the highest level starts long before race day - and that's where Rowing New Zealand's Development Pathway team members play a crucial role. They guide emerging athletes through the national development pathway, ensuring talent is identified, nurtured, and given the right opportunities to grow. This includes New Zealand club and university-based athletes, international-based athletes, age-group teams like the U19s and U23s, our Performance Hub athletes, as well as our current elite squad based in Karapiro.
Janey Charlton leads Rowing New Zealand's athlete development strategy, overseeing the age group teams and development initiatives as well as coordinating athletes through the pathway and the multiple routes of entry into the summer squad as they progress and continue to strive to meet the high standards required to become a member of RNZ's World Rowing Team. With 17 years of experience as Director of Rowing at St Peter's School in Cambridge, Janey brings deep expertise in coaching and youth development with a sense of real desire to help all athletes. She now plays a key role in guiding the next generation of elite rowers who aspire to represent New Zealand on the World Stage.
Janey Charlton taking a session on the pathway at the 2024 Coaches conference in wellington.
What's your favourite thing about working and being part of Rowing New Zealand?
Lisa Holton: It's always been the people and the teamwork. I've worked with some amazing and special people over the years, from strong and supportive leaders, extraordinary athletes and dedicated coaches and support staff, many of whom are very good friends today. My role has evolved many times, which has kept it interesting and challenging. I've always enjoyed working in a high-performing team. Yes, there's a high level of pressure and responsibility, but having great people to share these times with adds to the enjoyment.
Janey Charlton: It's exciting to be part of a fantastic team of people who are working hard to provide opportunities for athletes to develop and perform on the world stage, as well as helping grow and support the sport within our country. Rowing NZ punches well above its weight on the world stage, and I love being part of a team that is always looking to be creative and innovative, as well as keeping true to our values.
Simon Wickham: The people, I love working alongside a team that shares a desire to help others to be the best they can be. Sport, especially rowing, is a great learning environment for life and helps build great people and great communities.
Judith Hamilton: It's the people who make Rowing NZ a truly great place to work. Working alongside dedicated and hardworking individuals who come together with a shared drive to be the best at what they do is incredibly inspiring. Whether it's our athletes training and competing on the world stage, or our coaches and support staff working tirelessly to help them reach their full potential, everyone plays a vital role in our collective success.We're united by a common goal, and each of us contributes to the strength of our team. High Performance is demanding-but the rewards are immense. Being part of the rowing family is something truly special.
Having worked with so many athletes over the years, what qualities or habits do you think present themselves in the most successful rowers?
Lisa Holton: To me, a successful athlete is a good person first and foremost. I have a lot of respect for athletes' achievements on the water. Especially for those whose journey has not always been smooth but who continue to operate with integrity and respect. In my mind, some common traits in successful athletes are attention to detail, a strong work ethic and that overused but apt word resilience.
Janey Charlton: One of the best parts of my job over the years has been to see how rowing has played a part in shaping people's lives. Those people who have gone on to be successful rowers have shown deep determination and commitment every day, thrived on challenges, didn't cut corners and were really focused on the things that mattered.
Simon Wickham: Relentless pursuit of and focus on continual improvement, the ability to learn from your own mistakes (we all make them) and the lessons of others. Alongside the resilience to embrace the challenges mentally and physically that come with high-performance sport, and the courage to trust the process and reach out for support and guidance from trusted advisors when you know you don't have all the answers, because no single person knows it all, it's always evolving. The winners that can sustain that most often have had a long list of people who supported their journey from school and club rowing onto national and international honours, and the best support people also know when and where they can help, and when and where others need to take over or be more involved.
Judith Hamilton: I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand how successful rowers train and compete. To me, they show grit, sharp focus, and a constant drive to improve-they never back down from hard work. Their edge comes from sticking to solid routines, backing each other as a crew, and learning to be comfortable with discomfort. What really sets them apart is how calm, connected, and fully committed they stay-even when the pressure's on, that's resilience!
Behind every medal, every personal best, and every race is a team whose work is rarely seen but always admired. From the perfectly run logistics that get athletes and boats around the world, to the leadership that shapes the sport's future, and the development pathways nurturing the next generation, Rowing New Zealand's team behind the team have a huge impact on the results behind the athletes. They are the problem-solvers, organisers and mentors of our athletes long before the starting buzzer sounds. Their dedication ensures New Zealand rowing continues to succeed on the world stage. While the rowers themselves may cross the finish line, it truly takes the team behind the team to get them there!
This is the first in a series - next we'll shine a spotlight on the coaches and performance staff, followed by a feature on the incredible work of our health team
The Team Behind the Team
HP Team
Judith Hamilton - General Manager of High Performance
Lisa Holton - Operations Manager
Louise Storey - Athlete Wellbeing Lead
Justin Evans - Athlete Performance Lead
James Coote - High Performance Coach
Tom Stannard - High Performance Coach
Gary Roberts - High Performance Coach
Mike Rodger - High Performance Coach
Calvin Ferguson - High Performance Support Coach
Rebecca Beattie - Coach Development Manager
Rowing New Zealand's team behind the team also includes several experts in their field of sports science and athlete performance support who provide on-site athlete support through High Performance Sport New Zealand, thanks to a partnership with Rowing New Zealand that adds significant value.
HP Pathway Team
Janey Charlton - Athlete Development Manager
Maxine Hughes - Development Coordinator
Will Maling - Domestic Pathway Lead
Michele Munro - International Pathway Lead
Community Team
Jared Cummings - General Manager Sport Development
Nicole Roder - Sport Development Coordinator
Rebecca Milicich - Community & Schools Coordinator
Core Services
Simon Wickham - Chief Executive
Teresa Armstrong - Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Mandy Arnott - Marketing & Communications Manager
Blair Astwood - Financial Controller
Charmaine van der Westhuizen - Accounts Payable/Receivable Administrator
Rowing New Zealand is proud to be supported by an exceptional group of partners whose contributions help our athletes and programmes thrive. From funding and equipment to expertise and innovation, these organisations play a vital role in ensuring we can perform at the highest level both on and off the water. Our thanks go to Grassroots Trust, High Performance Sport New Zealand, Colgan Foundation, Milford Asset Management, Filippi, 776BC, Concept 2, Jones Family Charitable Trust, Sport New Zealand, Kerridge & Partners and the New Zealand Rowing Foundation for their unwavering commitment to New Zealand rowing. Their support fuels our training, strengthens our pathways, and helps keep our crews competitive on the world stage - huge members of the Team behind the Team.
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
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- Home
- /
- NZ Rowing Foundation
- /
- The Team Behind...
The Team Behind the Team: Meeting some of the people helping power Rowing New Zealand
When Rowing New Zealand athletes compete on the world stage and train daily on Lake Karapiro, what you see is the result of countless hours of training, discipline, and determination. And behind every stroke, there's a dedicated network of team members working tirelessly to ensure the systems are in place that help our rowers perform at their best.
Logistics and Operations: Making It All Happen
Competing at a world-class level doesn't just happen on the water-it's a logistical puzzle managed by Rowing New Zealand's team. They organise travel to regattas across the globe, ensure boats and equipment arrive in perfect condition, coordinate training schedules that fit athletes' needs, secure funding, and manage budgets to ensure this system works like clockwork from one campaign to the next. Their work is often invisible, but without them, campaigns simply wouldn't happen, and the team wouldn't get anywhere!
Lisa Holton is often described as the queen of admin and logistics at Rowing New Zealand, and with nearly 30 years in the building, it's easy to see why. She runs so much behind the scenes, from day-to-day operations at RNZ to the complex operations of the elite and U23 teams' international tours, as well as managing and tending to the needs of athletes, coaches and support team members within the high-performance program. If it needs organising, Lisa's already on it. It's a running joke that she receives hundreds of messages starting with "Hey Lisa…" followed by a request or question, and somehow, she always has the answer. She knows every corner of the building, understands exactly what athletes need on and off the water, and is often seen as the 'mum' of Rowing New Zealand.
Lisa Holton (far right) with some of the team during the 2025 World Rowing Cup in Varese.
Leadership and Administration: Steering the Ship
Rowing New Zealand's leadership and core operations team members provide the vision, structure, and support that help keep the organisation moving forward in a coordinated way. From the Board and CEO's strategic direction to the work of finance, operations, and marketing, they ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Their efforts create a stable foundation - allowing athletes and coaches to focus fully on performance and excellence, while keeping the wider rowing community informed, connected, and inspired.
Simon Wickham is the Chief Executive of Rowing New Zealand, appointed to the role in 2024. He brings over 30 years of leadership and governance experience in sport, community and commercial sectors. Amongst many other roles in sport, he's previously been CEO of Yachting New Zealand, The Trusts Stadium and is a former Deputy Chair of the NZ Olympic Committee (NZOC), where he also served for 20 years as a selector for the NZOC overseeing the selection of more than 2500 athletes to 10 New Zealand Summer and Winter Olympic teams and 5 Commonwealth Games teams. He's also served several other national sporting bodies, including Cycling NZ's Integrity Steering Committee, High Performance Sport NZ's Board and is a former Chair of Gymsports NZ. In 2022, he was awarded an Olympic Order for his services to sport and the Olympic movement in New Zealand.
At Rowing NZ, he is responsible for driving the organisation's strategic vision-supporting high-performance outcomes, strengthening development pathways, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sport at a national level. Known for his collaborative leadership style, Simon plays a key role in leading the team at RNZ to ensure we maintain New Zealand's strong presence on the world rowing stage while fostering connections with key stakeholders and supporters of both high-performance and community rowing across New Zealand.
Simon Wickham speaking on the podium at the 2025 NZ Rowing Championships at Lake Ruataniwha.
Judith Hamilton is a cornerstone of the team behind the team, leading High Performance and carrying forward Rowing New Zealand's world-class legacy. With over 20 years at RNZ, she has played a pivotal role in countless successful World Championship campaigns and Olympic Games. Known for her resilience, pride, and passion, Judith brings unwavering commitment to every aspect of her work. She is often the first point of contact for many within the organisation, unafraid to have the tough conversations when needed, and always keeping the bigger picture in focus. A driving force in the Rowing New Zealand building, Judith's impact is felt across the entire High Performance programme.
Judith Hamilton (far left) with her team of coaches and support staff at the NZ Team welcoming ceremony before the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Building Development Pathways and future champions
Competing at the highest level starts long before race day - and that's where Rowing New Zealand's Development Pathway team members play a crucial role. They guide emerging athletes through the national development pathway, ensuring talent is identified, nurtured, and given the right opportunities to grow. This includes New Zealand club and university-based athletes, international-based athletes, age-group teams like the U19s and U23s, our Performance Hub athletes, as well as our current elite squad based in Karapiro.
Janey Charlton leads Rowing New Zealand's athlete development strategy, overseeing the age group teams and development initiatives as well as coordinating athletes through the pathway and the multiple routes of entry into the summer squad as they progress and continue to strive to meet the high standards required to become a member of RNZ's World Rowing Team. With 17 years of experience as Director of Rowing at St Peter's School in Cambridge, Janey brings deep expertise in coaching and youth development with a sense of real desire to help all athletes. She now plays a key role in guiding the next generation of elite rowers who aspire to represent New Zealand on the World Stage.
Janey Charlton taking a session on the pathway at the 2024 Coaches conference in wellington.
What's your favourite thing about working and being part of Rowing New Zealand?
Lisa Holton: It's always been the people and the teamwork. I've worked with some amazing and special people over the years, from strong and supportive leaders, extraordinary athletes and dedicated coaches and support staff, many of whom are very good friends today. My role has evolved many times, which has kept it interesting and challenging. I've always enjoyed working in a high-performing team. Yes, there's a high level of pressure and responsibility, but having great people to share these times with adds to the enjoyment.
Janey Charlton: It's exciting to be part of a fantastic team of people who are working hard to provide opportunities for athletes to develop and perform on the world stage, as well as helping grow and support the sport within our country. Rowing NZ punches well above its weight on the world stage, and I love being part of a team that is always looking to be creative and innovative, as well as keeping true to our values.
Simon Wickham: The people, I love working alongside a team that shares a desire to help others to be the best they can be. Sport, especially rowing, is a great learning environment for life and helps build great people and great communities.
Judith Hamilton: It's the people who make Rowing NZ a truly great place to work. Working alongside dedicated and hardworking individuals who come together with a shared drive to be the best at what they do is incredibly inspiring. Whether it's our athletes training and competing on the world stage, or our coaches and support staff working tirelessly to help them reach their full potential, everyone plays a vital role in our collective success.We're united by a common goal, and each of us contributes to the strength of our team. High Performance is demanding-but the rewards are immense. Being part of the rowing family is something truly special.
Having worked with so many athletes over the years, what qualities or habits do you think present themselves in the most successful rowers?
Lisa Holton: To me, a successful athlete is a good person first and foremost. I have a lot of respect for athletes' achievements on the water. Especially for those whose journey has not always been smooth but who continue to operate with integrity and respect. In my mind, some common traits in successful athletes are attention to detail, a strong work ethic and that overused but apt word resilience.
Janey Charlton: One of the best parts of my job over the years has been to see how rowing has played a part in shaping people's lives. Those people who have gone on to be successful rowers have shown deep determination and commitment every day, thrived on challenges, didn't cut corners and were really focused on the things that mattered.
Simon Wickham: Relentless pursuit of and focus on continual improvement, the ability to learn from your own mistakes (we all make them) and the lessons of others. Alongside the resilience to embrace the challenges mentally and physically that come with high-performance sport, and the courage to trust the process and reach out for support and guidance from trusted advisors when you know you don't have all the answers, because no single person knows it all, it's always evolving. The winners that can sustain that most often have had a long list of people who supported their journey from school and club rowing onto national and international honours, and the best support people also know when and where they can help, and when and where others need to take over or be more involved.
Judith Hamilton: I've had the privilege of seeing firsthand how successful rowers train and compete. To me, they show grit, sharp focus, and a constant drive to improve-they never back down from hard work. Their edge comes from sticking to solid routines, backing each other as a crew, and learning to be comfortable with discomfort. What really sets them apart is how calm, connected, and fully committed they stay-even when the pressure's on, that's resilience!
Behind every medal, every personal best, and every race is a team whose work is rarely seen but always admired. From the perfectly run logistics that get athletes and boats around the world, to the leadership that shapes the sport's future, and the development pathways nurturing the next generation, Rowing New Zealand's team behind the team have a huge impact on the results behind the athletes. They are the problem-solvers, organisers and mentors of our athletes long before the starting buzzer sounds. Their dedication ensures New Zealand rowing continues to succeed on the world stage. While the rowers themselves may cross the finish line, it truly takes the team behind the team to get them there!
This is the first in a series - next we'll shine a spotlight on the coaches and performance staff, followed by a feature on the incredible work of our health team
The Team Behind the Team
HP Team
Judith Hamilton - General Manager of High Performance
Lisa Holton - Operations Manager
Louise Storey - Athlete Wellbeing Lead
Justin Evans - Athlete Performance Lead
James Coote - High Performance Coach
Tom Stannard - High Performance Coach
Gary Roberts - High Performance Coach
Mike Rodger - High Performance Coach
Calvin Ferguson - High Performance Support Coach
Rebecca Beattie - Coach Development Manager
Rowing New Zealand's team behind the team also includes several experts in their field of sports science and athlete performance support who provide on-site athlete support through High Performance Sport New Zealand, thanks to a partnership with Rowing New Zealand that adds significant value.
HP Pathway Team
Janey Charlton - Athlete Development Manager
Maxine Hughes - Development Coordinator
Will Maling - Domestic Pathway Lead
Michele Munro - International Pathway Lead
Community Team
Jared Cummings - General Manager Sport Development
Nicole Roder - Sport Development Coordinator
Rebecca Milicich - Community & Schools Coordinator
Core Services
Simon Wickham - Chief Executive
Teresa Armstrong - Executive Assistant & Office Manager
Mandy Arnott - Marketing & Communications Manager
Blair Astwood - Financial Controller
Charmaine van der Westhuizen - Accounts Payable/Receivable Administrator
Rowing New Zealand is proud to be supported by an exceptional group of partners whose contributions help our athletes and programmes thrive. From funding and equipment to expertise and innovation, these organisations play a vital role in ensuring we can perform at the highest level both on and off the water. Our thanks go to Grassroots Trust, High Performance Sport New Zealand, Colgan Foundation, Milford Asset Management, Filippi, 776BC, Concept 2, Jones Family Charitable Trust, Sport New Zealand, Kerridge & Partners and the New Zealand Rowing Foundation for their unwavering commitment to New Zealand rowing. Their support fuels our training, strengthens our pathways, and helps keep our crews competitive on the world stage - huge members of the Team behind the Team.
Kate Haines
Kate Haines has been part of the New Zealand Rowing Team and is studying Accounting at Massey University. She is NZ Olympian #1567, who competed in the Paris Olympics.
