Four New Zealand Officials head to the FIH Hockey World Cup

With the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup just around the corner, New Zealand will be represented not only by the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women, but by four officials who have earned the opportunity to perform on hockey's biggest stage.

Umpires Gareth Greenfield, David Tomlinson and Amber Church, alongside technical official Jackie Tomlinson, have been selected for the tournament in Belgium and the Netherlands, joining the world's best players at the pinnacle event of international hockey.

Their selection is a reminder that representing New Zealand through hockey is not limited to playing. From umpiring and technical officiating to coaching and administration, the sport offers a range of pathways for people to contribute, grow and achieve at the highest level.

For David Tomlinson, who will attend his third Hockey World Cup, the appointment carries particular significance.

Having previously officiated at World Cups in India, Tomlinson knows just how special these events are. This selection, however, feels even more meaningful after a period where he wasn't sure he would be attending at all.

"Starting out on the reserve list was a humbling experience and a reminder that nothing can be taken for granted at this level. To ultimately earn selection makes this World Cup even more meaningful."

His appointment reflects years of dedication, resilience and continual development, qualities that are required of all international officials. Away from the spotlight, officials invest countless hours in fitness training, video analysis, rules reviews and performance evaluations to ensure they can perform under the same pressure and scrutiny as the athletes they support.

Adding to the occasion is the chance for Tomlinson to attend alongside his wife Jackie, who has been selected as a technical official. The pair will represent New Zealand together at a World Cup, a unique achievement that makes the experience even more special.

Jackie says the opportunity to share the experience with both David and the wider New Zealand officiating team is something she doesn't take for granted.

"It's incredibly special to work alongside David and the other Kiwi officials. Officiating can often be an individual journey, so having others alongside you at a Hockey World Cup creates a real sense of pride and connection."

While players often receive much of the attention, officials play a vital role in delivering world-class tournaments. Their responsibility is to ensure matches are fair, safe and professionally managed, creating the platform for athletes to perform at their best.

For Gareth Greenfield, selection is both a privilege and an opportunity to continue the legacy of New Zealand officiating on the international stage.

"I'm most looking forward to the atmosphere and intensity of World Cup hockey. There's nothing quite like performing in front of a massive European crowd."

Reflecting on his own journey, Greenfield says the opportunity is something he never could have imagined when he first picked up a whistle.

"When I first picked up a whistle on a Saturday morning, I never imagined where this journey could lead. While it's easy to focus on reaching the next level or umpiring a final, the importance of enjoying the experience can't be overstated. The friendships made and memories created along the way are what will last. By giving a little back to our sport, you may gain far more than you ever expected."

For Amber Church, who will umpire at her third Hockey World Cup, the appointment is both an honour and a chance to contribute to one of the sport's biggest global events.

“Being part of any tournament is always a privilege, and a World Cup, which will be my third, is even more so. To be one of 32 umpires from around the world trusted with officiating at an event of this level is an honour.”

As the Vantage Black Sticks Men and Women prepare to take on the world's best this month, Gareth, Amber, David and Jackie will be doing the same in their respective roles.

Together, they demonstrate that there is more than one way to represent your country at the highest level in sport.  

We wish them all the best on their World Cup campaigns up ahead.