Three new FIH International Official Appointments

Hockey New Zealand is pleased to share the latest FIH international appointments of three New Zealand officials, Richard Baggs, Mike Treloar and Tom Laney. These appointments are a huge and well‑deserved achievement, reflecting years of commitment, learning and contribution to our sport and it’s exciting to see them step onto the international stage.

For all three, they echo that their pathway to international appointment has been shaped by a strong, supportive officiating community here in New Zealand that values growth and shared learning. Richard Baggs credits the NZ environment sharing, “I would say that the culture within the officials community has been highly important in that everyone is willing to share their knowledge and experiences. Throughout the community my experience has been that we all support, and challenge, each other to grow as officials and to be the best we can.” 

Mike Treloar shares a similar experience mentioning, “No matter where you come from there's a pathway in our officiating community.

I think back to 10 years when Craig Gribble Technical Manager of HNZ asked if I was interested in giving umpire managing a go at the Under 15 boys tournament and I jumped at it and totally loved it. The spark was ignited and I never looked back.

I wouldn't have come this far without the support from my family and the hockey community in Marlborough. They keep me grounded and this along with our great officials community across New Zealand has enabled me to be challenged and achieve a goal that I never thought possible.”

For Tom, the appointment feels like a collective achievement as much as a personal one sharing, “This upgrade represents the strength of the hockey community and the impact of shared growth. I’ve always valued being immersed in environments where we learn from one another and strive to lift the standard together. Every opportunity to officiate, receive feedback, and develop has been a stepping stone.”

Hockey NZ Officials Lead Colin French adds and acknowledges, “The appointment of Tom, Richard, and Mike is recognition of 3 outstanding people and speaks volumes of their quality and character. It also reflects on the strength of our domestic pathway and the collective effort and support of our officials community. Together, we are building something special”.