New Zealand is one of the strongest table tennis nations in Oceania, with a long and rich history of players, coaches, administrators and officials serving the sport and the region. Auckland, the most populous city in New Zealand, played host to both an ITTF National Umpires Course and an ITTF Basic Referees Course from 27 March to 1 April. One of the most decorated officials in Oceania, Australia’s Stephen Gillespie, was the course conductor in both instances. The courses were organised by Table Tennis New Zealand (TTNZ) and supported by the Oceania Development Program. Throughout the courses, five women and nine men took part, engaging in both course materials and hands-on practical activities.
Upon completion of the visit, TTNZ Development Manager Jessica MacAskill, commented “the National Umpire and Basic Referee courses acted as a great opportunity to assist New Zealand to upskill and build the capabilities of both umpires and referees to support our growing need for delivering quality tournament experiences for athletes.”
Course participants commented that the courses provided more knowledge on the rules and regulations, and that learning from Stephen’s officiating experience was welcomed as it made the course materials more relatable.
From an ITTF-Oceania perspective, increasing the quality and quantity of officials throughout the region is a priority and included in our 2025-2028 Strategic Plan. It is pleasing to see TTNZ taking the initiative to request these courses and ITTF-Oceania are pleased to offer assistance to TTNZ where it’s needed.
ITTF-Oceania thanks ITTF for their support of the Oceania Development Program. This visit to New Zealand marks the next episode in what is quickly becoming an essential part of Oceania’s ongoing operations as we look to effectively service our 24 Member Associations.