As I reach four years as Chief Executive of Triathlon New Zealand, it feels like the right moment to pause and take stock.
I am not one to dwell too much on the past, but reflection matters. The last four years have brought both highs and challenges, and both have played a role in shaping where we are today and where we are heading next.
When I first stepped into the role, much of my focus was on understanding the context of the sport and rediscovering our identity as Tri NZ. That meant listening, building relationships, and reconnecting with the international triathlon community.
From there, we set about building capability. We grew our community team and established regional hubs to strengthen support across the country. That investment is now showing through consistent growth in membership and participation.
We also shifted how we tell our story. Taking a more inclusive, whole-of-sport approach to communication has allowed us to better reflect the diversity of triathlon in New Zealand, from short course and middle distance through to long course and cross triathlon.
Community Focus
Domestically, we reshaped the national series, our beloved Tri NZ Suzuki Series, with fewer events but with stronger meaning and clearer alignment to national championship status. At the same time, we have continued to see strong numbers of passionate age groupers proudly representing the Silver Fern at World Triathlon championships around the globe.
On the international stage, we have increased our hosting ambition and capability. Delivering Oceania and World Triathlon events here in New Zealand has strengthened our reputation and credibility. That has now been recognised with the awarding of major events in Tauranga, including a World Cup in 2026, a World Triathlon Championship Series (WTCS) event in 2027, and the World Triathlon Championship Finals in 2028.
Moments like the Paris Olympic Games remind us what this is all about. Watching Hayden Wilde win silver had the country on the edge of its seat. Performances like Dylan McCullough’s on the bike, helping bring Hayden back into contention, showed the depth, teamwork and determination that defines our athletes.
None of this happens in isolation. Our sponsors have continued to back us, and new partners have come on board to support the work we do across the sport.
Aspiration with inevitable bumps along the way
Of course, it has not all been smooth.
The reduction in high performance funding following Paris required us to refocus and make some tough decisions about how best to align with High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) priorities while still supporting athlete success.
We also remain a small team with a big ambition. At times that stretch is real, but it speaks to the drive within this organisation to keep improving and to keep growing the sport.
All of that brings us to this point. Four years in, and still very much building.
So what does the future hold?
I will start by saying this. There has never been a more exciting time to be involved in triathlon.
Globally, the sport is evolving at pace. We are seeing closer alignment between World Triathlon and the Professional Triathletes Organisation (PTO), with a shared focus on growing the visibility and commercial strength of the sport.
The recent, future-focused Deloitte report commissioned by World Triathlon made it clear that change is needed in how the sport is presented and delivered, and that change is now underway.
That shift is already being felt here in New Zealand.
The PTO’s investment in the Challenge Family has led to changes for events like Challenge Wānaka, including the introduction of the Challenge Wānaka 100 format aligned to the T100 format.
From 2027, the WTCS will transition into the T50 World Tour, and our events in Tauranga will sit right at the heart of that evolution.
At the same time, the Ironman Pro Series continues to grow, attracting many of the world’s best long course athletes, while Supertri is reshaping its own format to deliver a more dynamic and commercially focused product.
What all of this tells us is simple. Our sport is changing, and we need to keep pace with that change.
For New Zealand athletes, both elite and age group, our role is to ensure they are well placed to be part of this global evolution.
Closer to home, the opportunity in front of us is significant.
With a home World Championships on the horizon, we have a genuine chance to grow participation across the country. There is something special about representing your country on home soil, and I expect that to be a major catalyst for increased engagement in the sport.
This is also a moment for our clubs. The energy and profile that comes with hosting world level events creates a platform for clubs to grow their membership and strengthen their role within their communities.
Looking ahead to Los Angeles in 2028, we will again see our athletes competing on the biggest stage. For Hayden Wilde, there is the opportunity to complete the set after bronze in Tokyo and silver in Paris. We’re doing all and everything we can to support Hayden’s golden goal as well as elevating all our LA28 aspirants.
Beyond that, Brisbane 2032 is already on the horizon. Supporting our emerging athletes and strengthening our pathways will be critical to ensuring New Zealand’s long and proud history in triathlon continues.
We also have more to do in building a truly inclusive sport. Developing our para triathlon programme is a key priority with the lofty goal of getting a Kiwi para triathlete on the start line in Los Angeles.
Growing Stronger Together
Tri NZ is moving forward with purpose.
The challenge for the national governing body, and triathlon as a whole in New Zealand, is how do we maximise the evolution of the sport. Not only to ensure we part of that evolution, but shaping it.
I’m working closely with the PTO on our future events plan, something that will see a lasting legacy off the back of our three events in Tauranga in 2026, 2027 and 2028. We’re an event based sport, and events drive participation, commercial value and wider community interest. Getting ahead of the opportunity is a significant priority for triathlon in New Zealand.
We are building on a strong foundation laid by those who came before us, and we are supported by an incredible community of athletes, clubs, officials, coaches, volunteers and partners who give this sport its energy and identity.
The opportunity in front of us is clear.
To grow, to evolve, and to do it together.
Growing Stronger Together.
Pete De Wet
CEO
Triathlon New Zealand
