Touch New Zealand

Meet Matisse! Our newest addition to the Touch New Zealand whānau, taking on the newly created role of Events & Community Engagement Coordinator.

Matisse brings a strong background in administration, event and training coordination, customer engagement and project support. We’re stoked to have her part of our full time team based in Tāmaki Makaurau.

Outside of the workplace, Matisse has a strong connection to sport through her time playing competitive club volleyball in Wellington and as Head Coach of the Junior A Volleyball team at St Patrick’s College Town in Wellington, leading the team to regional and premier championships in 2024 and supporting players to representative honours.

With a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business and Management, combined with her organisational, communication and coordination skills, Matisse is well placed to support the delivery of Touch NZ events and strengthen our engagement with communities across the country.

Touch New Zealand wishes to acknowledge and thank Joel Foster (Men’s Assistant Coach) and Elizah Ward (Women’s Assistant Coach) for their mahi, commitment and contribution to the Touch Blacks as they both depart the programme.

We are six weeks away from the inaugural Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup in Japan. Congratulations to all those set to represent Aotearoa!

Federation of International Touch

Touch New Zealand is pleased to announce the appointment of Riki Enosa as our new Pathways & Performance Coordinator.

Riki brings a wealth of experience, passion and commitment to the sport of Touch, having dedicated many years to supporting the game across Aotearoa. A familiar and respected face within our community, he has served in a wide range of roles and, most recently, has been an invaluable member of our volunteer support team across our High Performance, Pathways and Masters programmes.

A devoted family man and committed servant of his community, Riki is widely recognised for the energy, humility and dedication he brings to everything he does. His contribution to the growth of Touch extends well beyond the field, with a long-standing commitment to creating opportunities for players, coaches and communities to thrive.

Riki is also the co-founder of the Pacific Cup Sports Trust, where his leadership has helped establish one of New Zealand’s premier community touch events. In recognition of his outstanding contribution, he was awarded Life Membership of the Trust in 2025. He has also been recognised nationally through Touch New Zealand’s Community Coaching Programme as Coaching Director of the Year, reflecting his unwavering commitment to developing the game at the grassroots level.

We are excited to welcome Riki into this newly established role and look forward to the knowledge, leadership and enthusiasm he will bring as we continue to strengthen our pathways and performance programmes across Aotearoa.

Congratulations Riki, and welcome to the team.

Introducing: Kotahitanga 🫱🏽‍🫲🏾

Read more via our website 🔗

We’re excited to begin the next cycle of the Touch New Zealand U18 and U20 Pathways Programme as we build toward the 2027 Asia Pacific Youth Touch Cup.

This programme is designed to identify and develop high-potential athletes within a high-performance environment, creating clear pathways toward international competition and representative honours.

Expressions of interest for players are now open. Click the link below to register your interest and be part of the journey.

https://www.touchnz.co.nz/viewform/505767

The Touch NZ Emerging People Programme is about growing people.

Designed for U16 players, coaches, referees and managers, the programme creates clear pathways for our next generation to learn, connect and develop.

Delivered across all four Touch NZ regions, it now reaches 260+ participants nationwide and continues to grow each year.

From urban centres to rural communities, it’s building a stronger, more connected future for our game.

✔ Annual regional workshops
✔ 200+ athletes involved
✔ 60+ coaches, referees and managers supporting

A national pathway. Regional connection. Future leaders of our game.

Details & to register player EOI: https://www.touchnz.co.nz/programmes/emerging-people-programme/emerging-people-programme

Ngā Tai o Te Raki - Northern Region Touch Te Waipounamu Touch Nga Wai Rau Touch Te Ohu Ikaroa Touch

Touch New Zealand is excited to announce two newly created opportunities as we continue to strengthen and grow our game across Aotearoa.

Read More: https://www.touchnz.co.nz/newsarticle/167059?newsfeedId=1147994

Key events, workshops, courses & opportunities to engage & grow. The Touch NZ Coaching Calendar for the 26/27 season drops July 1st.

Get ready. The road to 28 begins ✍🏽

Touch NZ Coach Developers