Hockey New Zealand is pleased to announce the coaching and management appointments for the New Zealand Masters teams preparing to compete in the 2027 Trans-Tasman Challenge, being held in Tauranga from 9–15 May 2027.
The event will see New Zealand and Australia renew their rivalry across the Masters age groups, with the men's and women's 35s, 40s, 45s and 50s competing in a five-test series, while the remaining age groups will contest the traditional three-match series.
Hockey New Zealand congratulates those appointed and thanks everyone who expressed an interest in being involved. The experience, knowledge and commitment of our coaches and managers will be invaluable as preparations get underway for another exciting international Masters campaign.
MEN’S TEAMS:
MEN 35
Coach: TBC
Manager: TBC
MEN 40
Coach: Craig Williams
Manager: Ray Neill
MEN 45
Coach: Charlie Oscroft
Manager: Andrea Hughes
MEN 50
Coach: Steve Shepherd
Manager: Tracy Morgan
MEN 55
Coach: Zane Knight
Assistant Coach: Rob Dent
Manager: Mark Wilcox
MEN 60
Coach: Rob Dent
Assistant Coach: Zane Knight
Manager: Mark Wilcox
MEN 65
Coach: Brent Iggo
Manager: Annie Clarkson
MEN 70
Coach: Robin Wilson
Assistant Coach: Allan Binks
Manager: TBC
MEN 75
Coach: TBC
Manager: TBC
WOMEN’S TEAMS
WOMEN 35
Coach: Ryan Mason
Assistant Coach: Riley Chandler
Manager: TBC
WOMEN 40
Coach: Tracy Edmonds
Manager: Hannah Patterson
WOMEN 45
Coach: Vicki Collins
Manager: TBC
WOMEN 50
Coach: Nicky Sherriff
Manager: Lyn Steele
WOMEN 55
Coach: Randal Bartholomew
Manager: Paddy Martelli
WOMEN 60
Coach: Robbie Mathews
Manager: Gill Gemming
WOMEN 65
Coach: Julie O'Hara
Manager: Tania Rameka
WOMEN 70
Coach: Lynne Whittaker
Manager: Helen Thexton
Remaining appointments will be confirmed in due course. A dash indicates no assistant coach appointment has been listed.
National Masters Selection Weekend – 21 & 22 November 2026
The next important step in preparations will be the New Zealand Masters Selection Weekend, taking place at the North Harbour Hockey Centre on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 November 2026.
The weekend will provide prospective players with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and be considered for selection in the New Zealand teams competing at the 2027 Trans-Tasman Challenge.
Coaches and selectors will aim to confirm their respective squads shortly after the selection weekend.
Player Registrations Close 15 November 2026
All players wishing to make themselves available for selection must complete their Expression of Interest registration by Sunday 15 November 2026.
Players who have not yet registered are encouraged to complete the process before the closing date.
Registration details and the Expression of Interest form are available here: https://www.hockeynz.co.nz/masters-news/player-eoi-2027-masters-trans-tasman-challenge
For any questions regarding selection or the Masters programme, please contact the National Masters Coordinator at masters@hockeynz.co.nz.
Hockey New Zealand looks forward to welcoming our Australian counterparts to Tauranga in May 2027 and wishes all appointed coaches, managers and prospective players every success as preparations begin.