25 August 2026

For the fifth consecutive year, Away We Go ~ Matike Mai is partnering with Global Victoria around SportNXT, bringing leaders from Aotearoa New Zealand and Victoria together to build new trade relationships, share ideas, spark collaboration and create business opportunities.

And in 2026, we’re going bigger than ever.

From 6–9 September, 15 senior New Zealand sport leaders will join us in Melbourne across our official Aotearoa New Zealand Trade Delegation and newly launched Affiliate Programme – our largest Kiwi contingent yet.

The hosted Aotearoa New Zealand Trade Delegation includes:

• Raelene Castle ONZM – CEO, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa

• Nicki Nicol – CEO, New Zealand Olympic Committee

• Nick Becker – CEO, Auckland FC

• Andrea Nelson MNZM – CEO, New Zealand Rugby League

• Nick Kingston – Major Events Manager, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa

• Hannah Hickling – Head of Commercial, Halo Sport

Joining them through our new Affiliate Programme are:

• Cheyne Stevens – Head of Major Events, Auckland

• Karena Finnie – Head of Major Events, Christchurch

• Tiana Rakete – Head of Major Events, Wellington

• Michelle Walshe – Co-Founder & CEO, Coachmate

• Jonny Errington – Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer, New Zealand Olympic Committee

• Jimi Higgins – Chair, Surfing New Zealand

• Debbie Hyland – CEO, Volleyball New Zealand

• Josh Margetts – Partnerships Manager, Sport New Zealand Ihi Aotearoa

• Pete de Wet – CEO, Triathlon New Zealand

SportNXT brings together leaders from across the international sports industry. Our programme connects the Kiwi contingent into the conference, the wider Global Victoria international programme and Victoria’s sports economy – creating opportunities for conversations and connections that can continue well beyond Melbourne.

This year also marks the third annual Kiwi Dinner, bringing together our delegation, Affiliate Programme, alumni and other New Zealanders attending SportNXT for an informal evening on Melbourne’s Southbank.

What began five years ago as a small hosted delegation has grown into a much broader platform for strengthening relationships between the Aotearoa New Zealand and Victorian sports sectors.

A huge thank you to the Global Victoria and SportNXT teams, and every Kiwi leader who has jumped on board.