Beach Handball Season Update 2024

Kia koutou e te whānau handball

With the beach season starting in the new year, I want to give the community an update on the coming year.

Falling agonisingly close in both the Men’s and Women’s Oceania Championships the team’s both came runners up. This has given us a great opportunity to build on our current base and develop new talent nationally, looking to bounce back in the 2025 Oceania Championships. History has taught us that it is important to be ready to take any opportunities that arrive so all our high performance players need to be in tip top shape.

It is imperative that we keep driving the momentum and growing the NZ Beach Handball scene. The NZHF Beach Handball stakeholders have met and discussed how to best move forward and we are excited to share what’s in store for the coming season.

As the campaign reached a natural hold point we want to re-open selection in both high performance squads to ensure that we provide pathways for all beach players to perform at the highest level. All camps will be open selection camps. If you are interested in participating in the high performance programme please reach out to beach@handball.org.nz or Willy Silcock directly.

On a similar note we are looking to gather expressions of interest for coaching and Managing of the the men’s and women’s national teams as well as Youth Coaching and Management. Please fill out the following form by the 21st of January to be considered.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfJnX1mZ-WP3PXzU8fjbCihkFJUr68-PNctlLHOEgQ1kXNMdw/viewform?usp=sf_link

We believe that the blueprint developed last year was a great building block. The season ahead will be formatted in a similar fashion, with one notable change. We have decided to use this year to trial a slightly different format for North vs. South to be completed over a weekend rather than working it into 3 different events. This will allow for consistency of teams and reduce travel implications for players. All events that are solidified have been loaded into our events page with further details on each event and how it will be run.

On a final note there will be a focused effort on regional growth this year to provide high value training and player pathways for all. It’s going to be an exciting year ahead for Beach Handball!

Looking forward to seeing you all out on the sand soon,

Ngā Mihi Nui,

Willy Silcock

NZHF Executive Board Member (Beach Handball Portfolio)

President's Update - December 2023

Meri Kirihimete, Aotearoa Handball Whānau

Well here we are at the end of another year, with a host of great handball memories to tuck away. There’s lots to celebrate and much to look forward to next year, as well as some admin developments to help it all hang together.

2023 in the rear-view mirror

I thought I’d start off this final update of the year by reflecting on some highlights from 2023. Apologies if I miss out anyone’s favourite New Zealand Handball memory from the year – to avoid writing a novel, this is just a selection of what has gone on.

Beach – ome uncharacteristic inclement weather for Christchurch put a bit of a dampener on the summer’s beach programme to start the year, but we still managed to put on a great beach series and camps in the Garden City, with a new league successfully established in Wellington as well. The programme culminated in the Oceania Champs in Coolangatta in April. Both the New Zealand Men’s and Women’s teams finished runners up at that event, with the Men’s team coming agonisingly close in an extended penalty shoot out for the decider. New Zealand Beach Handball continues to go from strength to strength, with plenty to build on for the future.

Youth high performance – two great campaigns during 2023 saw our youth men take on the world in Croatia, and our junior and youth women take on the best Oceania had to offer in New Caledonia. While we didn’t come away with the results we had hoped for, the depth of teenage talent on display is super encouraging for the future. Plenty has been learned from those campaigns, and we will build on that experience in the years ahead.

 Youth development – some great work has been done in all the main centres to grow the youth base, with various school leagues in play and multiple exposures across a wide range of Schools. Special thanks to our good friends from our key strategic partner the Goethe Institut for supplying starter handball kits that have been deployed across the country, which makes a huge difference in ensuring our great sport gets the exposure it deserves.

New partnership – Earlier this year we were delighted to ink a deal with Select NZ/Freedom2Play to supply clothing and other kit for our representative teams. Not only is the Select gear top quality, we have a supplier that is super responsive and committed to supporting New Zealand Handball look as good as it possibly can on the international stage. It’s a highly valued partnership for us, and we encourage you all to check out their great range and kit yourself out in some NZHF-branded Select merch.

Tournaments – Fantastic to have all four of the regular national tournaments on the New Zealand Handball calendar (Queenstown Open, Auckland Open, Club Champs in Wellington, and Regional Champs in Christchurch) take place with solid numbers attending. Particularly pleasing was having over 200 players take part in Club Champs, and a team come over from Sydney to take part. Exciting times. Big thanks to the WCC Sports Event Partnership Fund for once again coming to the party with funding to support our Club Champs to help keep the attendance fees down

Strategic review – Yes, we can’t ignore the admin achievements! Throughout the year the NZHF has been working through a review of its strategic priorities, ensuring the organisation is focused on what matters to move New Zealand Handball forward in the right direction. There are lots of challenges to overcome, but if we can get everyone pulling together to support the plan I am confident we can get there.

Congratulations to all those who had a hand in the above, and those who contributed to all the other great handball work that hasn’t been mentioned

Looking ahead to 2024

Another action-packed handball year lies ahead. We are currently pulling together a calendar of known events that will be published on the website shortly, as we try to give everyone as much time as possible to plan their lives around what is in store. Here’s a snapshot of what’s coming up:

21st Asian Men’s Handball Champs – first up we have our Men’s Team head off to Bahrain for the Asian Champs (11-25 January) for our first taste of senior international handball outside Beach Handball in 4 years. Keep an eye out for posts and links to livestreams as the action unfolds.

21st Asian Men’s Handball Championship

Beach – another great summer of Beach Handball is lined up, this time culminating in the Aussie Beach Club Champs in April – with the tantalising prospect of more international opportunities later in the year.

National League  - we are currently putting the finishing touches on plans for a new national league, to increase the opportunities for regional teams to play each other, as signalled at our regional forum in October. This is a major initiative that we hope the New Zealand Handball community will get behind, coming to a climax at the Regional Champs to be held in the new Christchurch Stadium in mid-October.

Tournaments – wrapped around the National League we are still aiming to support the traditional tournaments, with the hope remaining that a national representative teams Trans-Tasman clash will be able to be pulled off in early May

Olympics – July/August 2024 is our 4-yearly opportunity to see our great sport on mainstream TV, with the Olympics in Paris. Planning is already underway for how to maximise the potential exposure from that.

IHF Trophy – details to be confirmed, but it’s the boys’ turn again this year for the Oceania Men’s Junior and Youth IHF Trophy qualifiers, to give our aspiring stars of the future something to aim for.

Organisational restructure

As part of the strategic review and with a change in the composition of the NZHF Exec, we have re-shaped our portfolio responsibilities. We believe the new structure will provide us with a more coherent framework to help grow New Zealand Handball to become the best that it can be, as well as create a structure that opens the door for greater involvement and helps spread the load.

The new structure involves a number of broad areas of responsibility overseen by a member of the Executive Committee, with clearly defined roles and responsibilities for the various areas sitting within each portfolio. It is all part of the evolving professionalism with which a sports body needs to be organised, and we hope that it will help provide greater transparency and accountability for what we are trying to achieve. The broad portfolios of responsibility are as follows:

•  Beach – covering all aspects of Beach Handball (Exec responsibility - Willy Silcock)

•  Communications and Outreach – covering media, marketing, membership and overseas liaison (Exec responsibility – Rowan Moloughney)

•  Competitions and Events – covers what the label suggests (Exec responsibility – Karl Fitzpatrick and Rowan Moloughney)

•  Development and Programmes – covering high performance, youth development, women’s handball, coaching and refereeing (this is a big one! Exec responsibility will be split between Frank Stoltenberg, Julien Pringot, and Karl Fitzpatrick)

•  Financial – covers the treasurer role as well as sponsorship and funding (Exec responsibility – Willy Silcock)

•  Governance and Ethics – covers policies, stakeholder liaison, Diversity & Inclusion, Complaints & Integrity (Exec responsibility – David Ireland)

Role descriptions are still being fleshed out to underpin all that, but this should give you a taste of how we are looking to operate. When he gets a chance, our Media Officer star Jun will weave his pictorial magic wand over things to make it more accessible for all.

Xmas wrap

That’s more than enough for now – hopefully there is something in the above for everyone to feel good about what has been achieved over the year past, and excited about what the year ahead has in store for New Zealand Handball.

Thanks to all our wonderful Handball Whānau for all you have contributed to New Zealand Handball this year - and for all you are going to contribute in 2024!

Safe travels and best wishes for the festive season

David Ireland

President

President's Update - November 2023

Kia ora koutou, New Zealand Handball whānau!

A fairly brief update this month, as we focus on planning for the year ahead. Some admin as well as some international action to report on, plus one last high performance treat to squeeze in before Christmas for you all to mark in your calendars.

Women’s Junior and Youth teams do NZ proud in New Caledonia

The handballing highlight of the past month has to be the performance of our girls at the Oceania IHF Trophy qualifiers held in mid-October. For a couple of squads dominated by players with minimal competitive handball experience, and a new-look coaching unit, they performed with distinction.

A couple of major achievements to bookend the tournament – a stunning win for the Juniors (Under 19s) over the Australian Juniors to open their tournament, and a nail-biter for the Youth (Under 17) team to finish off their campaign against Tahiti. The official result was a controversial draw on the scoresheet, but the girls had a triumph on the court for them all to celebrate. Congratulations to all involved – New Zealand Handball is super-proud of you all! Encouraging to see the future of the female game in New Zealand looking so strong.

2023 IHF Trophy Oceania - Youth Womens, 3rd place

2023 IHF Trophy Oceania - Junior Womens, 3rd place

Regional Meet

Thanks to those who tuned into the regional stakeholders meeting held at the end of October. There’s some good stuff happening around the country, with a real focus on growing depth at a junior level.

We are currently gathering feedback on a proposed national league initiative we are looking at running in 2024. Hopefully we will be in a position to announce something definitive next month, as we look to finalise the national schedule for the year ahead as much as we can. A key piece of feedback we have taken on board is the importance of needing to get tournament dates locked in as early as possible to help people’s travel plans, and we will do our best to deliver on that.

Strategic restructure

As signalled last month, one of the early tasks of your Executive Committee after each AGM is the allocation of portfolio responsibilities. This year we have decided to revisit the way we structure things, to improve the effectiveness of our delivery and spread the load. I know you are all hanging out for the outcome of that process, but you will just have to wait until next month’s update!

Exhibition Game 10 December – NZ Men v Wellington Barbarians selection

The final piece of high performance action for the year is scheduled for Ākau Tangi sports stadium in Wellington on Sunday 10 December at 11am. The New Zealand Men’s team will take on an invitational selection in an Exhibition game, which will be the closest thing we have had to a test match on home soil for four years. We have booked seating to cater for an audience and media, so come along and show your support!

This will be the New Zealand team’s last hit out before heading to Bahrain as Oceania’s sole representative at the Asian Handball Championships. We have drawn two of Asian Handball powerhouses in our pool – Iran and Korea – as well as China, who are always hard to beat. It will be a mammoth challenge for our boys, but it will also be the most internationally experienced New Zealand squad ever assembled, so we are hopeful of pulling off an upset. The cost per player for the trip is well over $10,000, so if you would like to help them out, here is a link to their Givealittle page:

Support the New Zealand Men's National Handball Team at the Asia Champs 2024!

2020 Asian Mens Handball Championship, Kuwait

That’s it for this month. Great to see Beach Handball back underway as summer starts to threaten, but more on that next month.

Ngā mihi,

David Ireland

President
New Zealand Handball Federation

EOI FOR NZ SENIOR WOMEN'S SQUAD

Are you passionate about handball and want to be a part of the next Senior Women's campaign? Do you have previous coaching or management experience? These positions are for you!

The NZHF is asking for applicants for the coaching and management team for the National Senior Women's Squad.

This campaign runs for a one year period between now and January 2025.

The NZHF sees the following positions as necessary for the overall management of the team.

• Head Coach

• Assistant Coach

• Goalkeeping Coach

• Team Manager

• NZHF delegate liaison

Please apply via this link: https://forms.gle/A8SPnCXcUJJjk59k9

Applications are due: 17 November 23

President's Update - October 2023

Kia ora koutou, New Zealand Handball whānau!

Hard to believe another season of the formal domestic Handball programme has come to an end, and a summer of beach handball is just around the corner. This month’s update has a focus on governance admin, with a bit of international Handball to keep it interesting

AGM and Executive Committee

Thanks to all those who tuned in to the AGM on 1 October. A solid turnout from around the country, with all Clubs represented and all going to plan.  

Draft minutes have been posted on the website https://handball.org.nz/annual-general-meetings-agm  and will be put to next year’s AGM for formal approval. You can also find the annual report covering the period between AGMs and the financial statements for the latest financial year in the same section of the website. Please get in touch if you have any queries. 

The Key governance development from the AGM was a change in a couple of the members on the Executive Committee, with Karl Fitzpatrick (Auckland Handball) and Julien Pringot (Canterbury Quakes) the newcomers elected to join me and Rowan Moloughney as the continuing Executive Committee members and Willy Silcock re-elected for a further two-year term. The incumbent Life Members’ appointee, Frank Stoltenberg, has been duly re-appointed by the Life Members as their rep to complete the make-up of the Executive Committee.  Tim Rayner and Maddie Stephen opted not to seek re-election at the end of their two-year term, and we thank them for the services to New Zealand Handball.

We have now had our first post-AGM Executive Committee meeting, with the existing office bearers and constitutional role-holders confirmed to carry on for the year ahead, as follows: 

• President – David Ireland

• Secretary-General – Rowan Moloughney

• Treasurer – Willy Silcock

• Complaints & Integrity – David Ireland

We are now going through a process of re-defining the various portfolios of interest the Executive Committee will oversee, ensuring those are properly aligned with our strategic plan. We will update you on those portfolios in next month’s update. The focus for the year ahead is on making sure we have an effective framework in place to implement the strategic priorities hammered out in the previous term. As always, we will be making several appointments from outside the Executive Committee to take responsibility for overseeing some of the portfolios. The door is open to anyone with a passion for improving the way New Zealand Handball works to put your hand up to assist with any area where you feel you can add value – just get in touch.

A Regional Associations and Club stakeholders’ meeting will be scheduled for later in the month to flesh out how people would like to see the year ahead playing out, as we once again tackle the challenging task of coordinating the national schedule. 

Regional Championship

The other big event to take place over the past month was the Regional Champs held in Christchurch on October 7 and 8. Another great effort from the Canterbury Quakes Handball organising committee who put on a fantastic tournament at Pioneer Stadium. Good numbers and a couple of great finals in each division, and some top quality handball on display throughout. Congratulations to the Otago Men for defending their title as the national Men’s regional champions, and to the Canterbury Women’s team for also defending their title. A big thank you to all those that made the effort to get to this pinnacle event to conclude the indoor season.

International

Our women’s Youth and Junior teams are currently competing in the IHF Trophy Oceania qualifiers in New Caledonia – look out for images and updates from that event on our usual social media channels, with the tireless Jun Tanlayco on the spot once more to ensure there will be no shortage of action shots from our girls. Our Youth girls have their jobs cut out, up against New Caledonia and Tahiti, while the Juniors have a bit more variety as their division has Australia and the Cook Islands added to the mix. There are unlikely to be any easy games, but tremendous for our girls to experience some international competition, and a real credit to our Youth Handball organisation that we have been able to field teams in both divisions. Regardless of the results, it bodes well for the future. The winner of each age division will go on to represent Oceania at the Intercontinental Championships next year.

The New Zealand Men’s Team has also committed to their next international experience, with tickets booked for the squad to make the trek to the 21st Asian Handball Championships in Bahrain in January. For New Zealand Indoor Handball, the Asian Championships is as good as it gets, and the men have been putting in some great mahi domestically and abroad to give themselves the best chance of chasing that elusive international win. As for our Junior and Youth Women it isn’t going to be easy, but massive to be able to compete on the international stage once more.

Tracking further ahead to next year, we are looking forward to a Trans-Tasman clash to be held in the Bruce Pullman Arena in early May. The hope is to have both a Men’s and Women’s senior and Under 20 competitions, with planning well underway to make this a memorable event.

Beach

Of course, as we try to do our best to shake off winter, it’s not all about Indoor. We also have the 2023-24 beach handball programme kicking off next month. It will be another action-packed summer of Beach Handball ahead, with the climax of the programme being another tilt at the Australian champs in April. Keep an eye out for further updates as the programme unfolds.

Ngā mihi,

David Ireland

President
New Zealand Handball Federation

President's Update - September 2023

Kia ora koutou, Aotearoa New Zealand Handball Whānau!

It has been an action-packed past couple of months on the Handball front, but with just a few sleeps to go now until the NZHF AGM, I’ll stick to the highlights.

Club Champs – Wellington’s Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, 8-10 September

What a fantastic advertisement for Handball!

15 teams – five competing in the Women’s section and ten in the Men’s, including University of New South Wales to add an international flavour to things – with over 200 players taking the court over 42 games. Tremendous to see the New Zealand Handball community come together once again to enjoy some great competition and camaraderie over three action-packed days. Big thanks to the Bond Street Sports Bar for supporting the social event, the Brentwood Hotel for providing some great accommodation deals, Select NZ for chipping in a couple of backpacks for the tournament MVPs, Tom Paget & Habit Health for the physio support to keep everyone firing, and the Goethe Institut for supplying bags of Handballs for the winning teams and for its ongoing support for the development of New Zealand Handball. Great to have the Institut represented at prizegiving. And of course Jun Tanlayco for the amazing footage of the event, with livestreaming of all three courts beamed around the world! Thanks also to the WCC Sports Event Partnership Fund for the generous financial support that helped fund the event. 

Both finals were closely contested, and provided fine examples of quality Handball played in the best of competitive spirit. Congratulations to theHunters Handball Club, who dominated pool play and came out on top in the final after the Canterbury Quakes made them work hard for glory in the Women’s division. Even more evenly contested was the Men’s final, where the Otago Sheeps held their nerve and came out on top of the Purple Gounas.

Club Champs Womens Winner - Hunters Handball Club

Club Champs Mens Winner - Otago Sheeps

Congratulations also to the Canterbury Quakes Handball Club who were the inaugural winners of our brand new trophy, Kotahitanga – meaning Unity. This special award, kindly co-ordinated and gifted from the Hunters’ Tahndae Wyatt on behalf of her Ngāti Rangitihi iwi, celebrates being one with the community and the expression of selfless acts towards one another. There were many fine examples of the spirit of Handball on display over the course of the Championships, with no shortage of those taking part offering to help and coming together as one. But the unity, support and cohesion shown by the Canterbury Quakes made them worthy recipients of this special recognition.

Club Champs Kotahitanga award - Canterbury Handball

Referees

On a less positive note, we had a few instances of inappropriate challenging of referees’ decisions and dissent during the Club Championships, in some cases with that criticism carrying on after the final whistle. That sort of behaviour has no place in New Zealand Handball. Our referees are not hardened professionals. All do their best, but are never going to be perfect, despite the investment made in our referee training programme. We want to promote a Handball culture where all our referees feel supported and encouraged to pick up a whistle, without fear of abuse. It is the collective responsibility of the entire Handball community to call out poor treatment of referees, with zero tolerance for bad behaviour. Those who don’t get that message can expect to be on the receiving end of disciplinary processes.

Back to the positives, thanks again to Antoine Desnos for leading another round of our referee training programme. Congratulations to the 15 newly minted referees who worked through this year’s programme to earn the green shirt at Club Champs. As with last year, we are proud to have two of our cohort of qualified referees heading overseas next month to help officiate at the Oceania leg of the IHF Trophy. Congratulations Tahndae Wyatt and Langi Winitana.

NZ Youth Teams

On the subject of the IHF Trophy, our Women’s Junior and Youth squads are now all set to take on the best that Oceania has to offer in New Caledonia in October. It has been a mission getting everything organised for that, but exciting to see the two squads in action for an exhibition game at Club Champs. We wish them all the best for this qualifying event, with the winners going on to compete in the Intercontinental Championships next year.

U17 Team for 2023 IHF Trophy Oceania Womens

U19 Team for 2023 IHF Trophy Oceania Womens

U19 Men’s Team at the IHF Handball Youth World Championships in Croatia

And of course, we can’t overlook the efforts of our Men’s Under 19 Squad who took on the world at the Handball Youth World Championships in Croatia last month. While they didn’t come away with the results they had hoped for on the court, I am sure it was an incredible experience for all involved, and by all accounts they were fine ambassadors for New Zealand Handball off the court. It was a mammoth task to pull together, with plenty of lessons learned for next time. Thanks to all involved for your commitment to the cause. 

NZHF AGM 1 October

 All is set for the AGM being held online Sunday 1 October, commencing 7.30pm. Your Executive Committee is set for a bit of a shake up from that, with a couple of changes in our composition to take place. Please get in touch with your Club if you would like a link to the Zoom meeting – all members of the New Zealand Handball community are welcome (although only the Clubs and Life Members get to vote!). For those that can’t make it, details will be posted on our website after the event. But why would you miss it live??

Regional Champs – Christchurch’s Pioneer Stadium, 7-8 October

Hot on the heels of the AGM we have the clash of the Regions in Christchurch, as we gather together one last time for 2023 to finish off the regular domestic indoor season, before attention switches to Beach. Safe travels to everyone journeying to that.

The tournament and referees meeting will be held online on Thursday 5th October at 7 p.m.

That’ll do it for this month. As always, please don’t hesitate to get in touch if there are any Handball-related issues you would like to raise, ideas to share, or support to offer.

Yours in Handball

David Ireland

President

New Zealand Handball Federation  

president@handball.org.nz

Rising Underdogs at the World Champs, Overcoming Pressure & Struggles

The New Zealand Youth Handball Team, an emerging force in the handball world, is set to make its mark at the prestigious World Championship. As underdogs, these young players face immense pressure and unique challenges on the global stage. In this article, we explore their journey, the struggles they endure, and how they triumph against all odds.

The Rise of the Underdogs 

Handball, once a lesser-known sport in New Zealand, has been gaining popularity rapidly, thanks to the dedication and passion of the NZ Youth Handball Team. With a mix of skilled players from diverse backgrounds, the team has defied expectations by securing a spot at the World Championship. As underdogs, they are eager to showcase their talent and put their country on the handball map.

The Weight of Expectations

Representing their nation at such a prestigious event comes with its fair share of pressures. Each player in the NZ Youth Handball Team feels the weight of expectations from their families, friends, and fellow countrymen. As they strive to prove themselves on the world stage, they also carry the dreams of aspiring young handballers back home who look up to them as role models.

Struggles and Challenges

In their journey to the World Championship, the team faces numerous struggles. First and foremost is the lack of exposure and resources in handball within New Zealand. Unlike their European counterparts, the players have limited access to top-notch training facilities and expert coaching. Despite this, their passion and determination drive them forward.

Another significant challenge is the grueling preparation for the championship. Balancing academics, work commitments, and training sessions adds immense pressure to these young athletes. The players often find themselves juggling multiple responsibilities, leaving them physically and mentally drained.

Overcoming Adversity 

Despite the hurdles, the NZ Youth Handball Team remains resilient. Their camaraderie and team spirit foster a supportive environment where they lift each other up during tough times. Moreover, their underdog status fuels their hunger for success. Every player in the team is driven by the desire to prove their mettle and surprise the world with their skills.

The team's coaching staff and managers play a crucial role in nurturing their potential. They work tirelessly to provide the players with the best possible resources and support, ensuring that the team is well-prepared and ready to face any challenge head-on.

Triumphs on the World Stage 

As the World Championship unfolds, the NZ Youth Handball Team will face formidable opponents and experience both personal victories and setbacks. Regardless of the outcome, their participation is a milestone in their journey, and their dedication to handball has already set a positive example for the youth back home. Win or lose, these young athletes are proving that New Zealand can be a force to be reckoned with in the world of handball.

The NZ Youth Handball Team's journey as underdogs at the World Championship is an inspiring tale of resilience and determination. Overcoming pressure and struggles, these young athletes have already achieved success by representing their nation with pride. Their journey signifies hope for the future of handball in New Zealand, igniting passion in the hearts of aspiring players nationwide.

Written by Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation U19 Team

Photos: Croatia 2023/Kolektiff Images

President's Update - July 2023

Mid-winter greetings, New Zealand Handball supporters!

July has dished up its usual fare of Handball activity around the country, with the senior men’s and `national youth squads holding training camps and each Region’s Handball programmes in full swing. In some ways it has been the calm before the storm, with an action-packed three months ahead.  Those three months are book-ended by two major international tournaments New Zealand is taking part in, with some high octane domestic competition and a dose of organisational admin thrown into the mix - there should be something in it for everyone!.

In this month’s updates I touch on a few of the highlights coming up, plus offer a sneak peek at something truly special in store for next year.

NZ Youth Men depart to take on the world

Hard to believe the day has finally come. After an intense six months of training and fundraising, our Men’s Under 19 Squad has now left the country for the Handball Youth World Championships in Croatia, 2-13 August, taking in a high performance training camp with other nations in Hungary en route.

It has been a massive undertaking for Delegation Head Thomas Schmider, coach Hayden Juranovich and the lads, and now their time has finally come. New Zealand is up against Hungary, Morocco, and Slovenia in pool play. It is not going to be easy over there, but it is fantastic for a New Zealand  team to be a part of it. Check out the NZHF Facebook page for details and how to access livestreams (hopefully!) of our games, or check out the details here https://handball.org.nz/u19-mens-handball-world-championship-2023 . Give ‘em a taste of Kiwi, boys!

And it’s not all about the boys. Closer to home, the Women’s Junior and Youth squads are taking shape as they prepare to take on the best Oceania has to offer in New Caledonia in October. Delegation Head Laura Macready has been working tirelessly to pull it all together in a hurry, and we are looking forward to seeing them in action.

And now for the REAL excitement –

NZHF AGM 1 October

Yes, everyone’s annual highlight of the Handball calendar, the New Zealand Handball Federation AGM, has been set down for Sunday 1 October, commencing 7.30pm. As with the last couple of editions, we will be running this year’s AGM virtually. Please email president@handball.org.nz no later than 16 September if there are any items of business you would like raised.

Other than presenting our annual report and financial statements, the key item of business for each AGM is usually the election of Executive Committee members. As per the constitution, this year Tim Rayner, Willy Silcock and Maddie Stephen stand down by rotation as they end their current two-year term, with me and Rowan Moloughney continuing, and the Life Members’ appointee for the year ahead (currently Frank Stoltenberg) to be confirmed following the AGM. That means there are four spots up for grabs to be elected at the AGM. If any of our Clubs have someone in mind they think could make a positive contribution to New Zealand Handball by serving on the Executive Committee, please encourage them to make themselves available and put their names forward.

The deadline for nominations for Executive Committee members is Saturday 16 September, and the confirmed agenda for the AGM will be circulated 17 September.

Referee course 2023

This year’s online referee training course has now concluded. Thanks to all those who invested their time to take part, and the Clubs who supported the programme – and to Antoine for running it. We look forward to announcing the newly minted crop of referees who have qualified to wear the green at September’s Club Champs. Speaking of which -  

Club Champs – Wellington’s Ākau Tangi Sports Centre, 8-10 September

We have had 15 teams register for this year’s Club Champs by the deadline – ten competing in the Men’s section and five in the Women’s, including one team coming over from Sydney to take part. That’s two more teams than last year, and we are looking forward to another fantastic tournament and opportunity for the entire New Zealand Handball community to get together.

Further details to follow closer to throw off time. Meantime, for any teams travelling from out of town who are yet to secure their accommodation, we have secured a special deal for the tournament with the Brentwood Hotel, just a short stroll from the Stadium - https://www.brentwoodhotel.co.nz/. Contact secretary@handball.org.nz for more information about how to access that deal.

Regional Champs – Christchurch’s Pioneer Stadium, 7-8 October

To round off the upcoming dosage of Handball action we have the clash of the Regions in Christchurch, as we look to finish the indoor season in style. Regional Associations, please ensure you are liaising with your affiliated players in plenty of time to be able to take part.

Trans-Tasman Clash – Auckland’s Bruce Pulman Park 3-5 May

To round off this month’s update, I am delighted to announce that we are scheduling a trans-Tasman clash in May, for what we hope will become a regular fixture on our respective Handball calendars. The plan is to stage a contest involving Senior and Under 20 Teams, Men and Women, for the first leg of a home and away series. This is the first time we have attempted such a clash on this scale, as we look to increase the level of competition between New Zealand and Australia. We are still in the early planning stages, but save the date!

Yours in Handball,

David Ireland

President

New Zealand Handball Federation  

U19 Handball Team's Unstoppable Journey to the World Championships in Croatia

In a whirlwind of passion and dedication, the U19 handball team embarked on an extraordinary journey towards the World Championships in Croatia. As the head of delegation, Thomas Schmider, I am thrilled to share the incredible highlights and challenges faced by this determined group of players.

The Campaign's Humble Beginnings

The journey commenced after the Oceania champs in December, when Hayden Juranovich and I initiated the call for players to join our World Championships campaign. Witnessing the commitment of both players and their parents filled us with excitement and hope for what was to come.

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A United Delegation

With Olly Donaldson and Roland Nemes joining us, tthe delegation took shape, and together, we strategised our campaign. Our priorities were crystal clear: budgeting and fundraising, player development, marketing, and understanding the logistics of the World Championships.

Training Camps and Game Practice

To prepare rigorously, we organised three intensive training camps in Christchurch and participated in the Auckland Handball Championship for valuable game practice. These efforts were crucial in honing the players' skills and enhancing their physical fitness.

Overcoming Struggles

Our journey was not without challenges. Financial burdens weighed on both parents and players, as the costs of participation fees and flights escalated. Limited resources within the delegation also posed hurdles. However, the unwavering commitment and motivation of the team helped us overcome these obstacles.

Remarkable Fundraising Efforts

Undeterred by the financial challenges, our players & parents organised fundraising events like sausage sizzles, cake sales, raffles, quiz nights, and more. These remarkable fundraising events not only provided financial support but also strengthened the bond within the handball community

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The recent partnership with Select has had a positive impact on our on-court appearance, and we are enthusiastic about nurturing this relationship for upcoming initiatives. The communication and coordination regarding Select orders have been excellent, and we are grateful for their continuous support throughout our journey so far.

Building a Supportive Network

In an effort to foster a strong sense of support, we took the initiative to print fan shirts specifically designed for parents and fans. These shirts not only served as a way for supporters to showcase their enthusiasm for NZ handball but also created a sense of unity among the team's followers. Wearing these shirts during matches and events further amplified the team's presence and generated a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

Recognising the importance of keeping parents involved and informed, we introduced monthly Q&A sessions exclusively for them. These sessions provided a platform for parents to interact with the coaching staff, ask questions, and gain insights into the team's progress and strategies. By involving parents in this way, we aimed to create a more connected and engaged community around the handball team.

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As part of our efforts to raise awareness and promote NZ handball, we produced two compelling promotional videos videos. These videos showcased the skills, dedication, and passion of our players, giving the world a glimpse of the talent that lies within our handball community. Through social media and various online platforms, these videos garnered widespread attention, not only increasing our fan base but also attracting interest from international audiences.

The combined effect of these initiatives had a profound impact on the team's morale and spirit. The unwavering support from parents and fans, evident through the fan shirts and their active participation in the Q&A sessions, motivated the players to perform at their best and feel a strong sense of unity. Additionally, the global recognition generated by the promotional videos opened up new opportunities for NZ handball, bringing attention to the sport at an international level.

Celebrating Victories

As we approach the World Championships, we celebrate the biggest wins achieved during this campaign.

• Each player has undergone significant personal development, both on and off the court. On the court, our players have imrpvoed their skills, displaying remarkable techniques and tactical understanding. From mastering intricate handball moves to executing flawless teamwork, their progress has been evident in every game and training session.Beyond the physical aspect, the players have blossomed into exceptional individuals off the court as well. The challenges they faced throughout the campaign have instilled in them resilience and determination, traits that will serve them well in both their sporting careers and personal lives.

• We successfully enhanced the profile of NZ youth handball, gaining recognition from handball nations worldwide. Our relationship with the IHF and the connections we established have been invaluable. Their incredible support, both financially and with resources like handballs and coaching assistance, has been instrumental in our journey.  We want to specially acknowledge Bob Zermani, who traveled all the way from Germany as a coach from the IHF (International Handball Federation) to assist us with any coaching requirements we may have during our time in Hungary, and Samuel Selig (IHF), who made this initiative happen. Their contributions have been truly incredible and we are extremely thankful for their assistance.

The Heart of the Community:

The NZ handball community rallied behind our cause, with 360 donors generously raising nearly $40,000 NZD. The dedication of parents has been nothing short of astonishing, further strengthening our resolve to create a bright future for NZ handball.

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As we stand at the precipice of the U19 World Championships in Croatia, we reflect on the extraordinary journey that has brought us to this point. The passion, dedication, and unity of the U19 handball team, along with the unwavering support from the community, have been nothing short of inspiring. Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated victories, and carved a path for the next generation of NZ handball. The future looks bright, and we eagerly anticipate the exciting journey that lies ahead. Go Team NZ! 

Thomas Schmider

U19 Men's Team leaves for World Championship

Our U19 men’s team will fly out from Auckland on Sunday, 23 July, to start their journey to the World Championship in Croatia. They will first go to Hungary for a training camp and warm up games. The 10th IHF Men’s U19 Handball World Championship in Croatia will start on 2 August 2023. For the championship, our team is part of Group B with Hungary, Slovenia and Hungary. Their preliminary games will be played in Varaždin in Croatia. For more details about the tournament, schedules and links to games and results, go to U19 Mens Handball World Championship 2023

Speaking prior to the flight on Sunday, Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation.

“As the head of delegation, I am truly humbled by the dedication and perseverance shown by our U19 national handball team in their preparation for the upcoming World Championships. It has been a remarkable journey so far, and I couldn’t be prouder of each player’s growth and commitment to their sport.

Together, we embark on this exciting adventure, knowing that success is not guaranteed, but we will give it our all with a united spirit. We value the opportunity to represent our nation and showcase our passion for handball on the world stage.

The road ahead might be challenging, but we approach it with humility and gratitude for the chance to compete among the best. We understand the importance of teamwork, and we will lean on each other’s strengths to overcome any obstacles we may encounter.

Our focus remains on the love of the game, and win or lose, we aim to leave a positive impact with our sportsmanship and camaraderie. With hearts full of determination, we are eager to embrace the experience, learn, and grow both as individuals and as a team.

Together, we carry the hopes and dreams of our country, and we promise to give our best effort in every match. We hope to inspire not only through our performances but also through the values we uphold on and off the court.

Thank you to all our supporters for believing in us. Your encouragement fuels our passion, and we are excited to make you proud throughout this incredible journey”

— Thomas Schmider, Head of Delegation

Coach Hayden Juranovich,

“I am super excited for the journey ahead. This is an awesome opportunity for the boys travelling to be able to train and play over in Europe and gain some invaluable experience.

The tournament will be tough. But I know the boys have been training hard and will give it everything they have and do NZ proud.

Time to show off NZ handball to the world.”

— Hayden Juranovich, Head Coach

Messages from New Zealand Handball Federation

New Zealand Handball Federation and its Executive Board wishes the team safe travels and good luck. We know the team will make the country proud. And foremost, enjoy the amazing experience ahead.

Rowan Maloughney, NZHF Secretary General

David Ireland, NZHF President