Wellington Hockey is pleased to share an update with our officiating community following the completion of the 2025/26 Officials Development Project, a piece of work designed to help strengthen and future-proof officiating across the region.

Over the past two years, Wellington Hockey has focused on strengthening its foundations and improving how officiating is supported across the region. As part of this work, the Officials Development Project was undertaken to better understand how officials are supported, developed, and connected, and to identify opportunities to strengthen officiating in Wellington.

This work was shaped by strong engagement from across the officiating and wider hockey community through surveys, group discussions, and individual conversations.

Key Themes From the Officiating Community

The engagement highlighted several clear and consistent themes.

There is strong pride within the officiating community. Officials spoke positively about the enjoyment of umpiring, the relationships built across the season, and the contribution officials make to the game. Progress within junior umpiring was also widely recognised, alongside a willingness from many officials to give back through coaching, mentoring, and leadership roles.

At the same time, officials identified areas where improvement is needed. In particular, there was a desire for greater transparency and structure around appointments, clearer feedback pathways, and stronger, more consistent development and coaching support across all levels of officiating. Improving communication, connection, and inclusivity across the officiating community was also identified as a key priority for long-term growth and retention.

Key Recommendations

In response to what was heard, several key recommendations have been identified to help strengthen and future-proof officiating in Wellington:

• Transitioning the current advisory model into an active Officials Working Group, with responsibility for communication, education, and community connection.

• Establishing a more transparent and structured appointments framework, supported by clear processes, criteria, and feedback mechanisms.

• Developing a clear and consistent education and development pathway from junior through to senior levels, including coaching, mentoring, and recognition opportunities.

• Strengthening understanding and application of the Competition Environment Policy, so officials feel supported and confident, while also improving behaviour and respect across the wider hockey community.

These recommendations build on the strong foundations already in place, while providing a clear direction for future improvement.

Where To From Here?

As the 2026 season begins, these recommendations will start to be translated into practical actions. This will include the transition to the new Officials Working Group, the establishment of Appointments, Coaching, and Education & Training subcommittees, and a clearer more transparent appointment processes.

Alongside the longer-term work, Wellington Hockey is also focused on delivering some early “quick wins” this season. Funding is being sought to support the rollout of radios and iPads across all WHA turfs to improve on-field communication, consistency, and game-day experiences for officials, players, and coaches.

We are also happy to announce that Steven Dyhrberg has been appointed as Convenor of the Officials Working Group and will take a lead role in coaching and education this season. Wellington Hockey also sincerely thanks Warren Devereux for his long-standing leadership in officiating and is pleased he will continue contributing through the new Working Group.

Looking Ahead

This work will not happen in isolation. Continued input, involvement, and leadership from officials will be essential as these changes are implemented. The goal is simple: to create an environment where officials feel supported, valued, connected, and confident to continue developing within the game.

Officials will also have the opportunity in the coming weeks to hear directly from Bevan Nichol who lead this work to learn more about the findings and ask questions. As always, officials or those that are interest in getting involved are encouraged to contact Kieran at any time with feedback or queries.

Wellington Hockey sincerely thanks all officials for their time, commitment, and contribution to the game and wishes everyone a successful and enjoyable 2026 season.