Volleyball NZ CEO Toni-Maree Carnie has resigned from her role with her last day being 28th April 2023. 

Toni-Maree has accepted a new role as Chief Executive at an international charity.  VNZ is enormously grateful to Toni-Maree for her positive contribution to our organisation and the wider game of volleyball.  I know that Toni-Maree worked hard to build strong relationships and networks across our regional associations and key stakeholders, and we will continue this momentum moving forward.

After almost five years as Chief Executive, Toni-Maree steered VNZ through periods of significant uncertainty and change. 

This includes the transformation of operational and financial performance in her first year, pivoting through the unprecedented impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and building credibility on the international scene. Her leadership, commitment, and dedication to volleyball during her tenure has seen the stabilisation of financial performance, national events that thrived in a challenging environment, strengthening of sector relationships and the start of initiatives to improve engagement with our communities.   

A top priority of the Board is to work through a seamless transition and support VNZ staff. A transition plan has been established to deliver a smooth handover from Toni-Maree and maintain continuity of key initiatives until a permanent replacement is confirmed. 

VNZ thanks Toni-Maree for her valued service to VNZ and wishing her all the best for her future endeavours. 

Volleyball New Zealand is in mourning after the passing of Life Member Craig Phillips.

Craig passed away on Wednesday 9 November 2022.

There will be a public viewing on Monday 14th November 2022 from 6-7.30pm at Lychgate Funeral Homes at Johnsonville and the Funeral Service will be held the following day, Tuesday 15 November at 11am at the Wellington Church of Christ on Webb Street.

Volleyball New Zealand has two exciting new roles available in 2023 working in our volleyball community. Click through for more information.

Poirewa Aotearoa/Volleyball NZ Kaiārahi Māori Lead 

The purpose of Volleyball in New Zealand is to connect and inspire people through the ‘ihiihi’ that the dynamic sport of Volleyball brings to every community.  The Kaiārahi Māori Lead will play a critical part in helping Poirewa Aotearoa/Volleyball NZ (VNZ) to achieve that purpose. They will work in partnership with Regional Associations and Māori communities to amplify, develop and support quality volleyball opportunities for whānau, hapū and iwi organisations.   

Fundamental to this role is the ability to build mana enhancing relationships with mana whenua (local) Māori entities invested in volleyball within prioritised Regional Associations, other ethnic organisations and people invested in volleyball. These relationships will provide opportunities for intergenerational, whanau and community engagement which enhances wellbeing and provides for quality delivery of volleyball experiences.  Co-developing an approach to replicate in other communities across the country in partnership with Regional Associations and other invested organisations will be key.   

This role will co-lead VNZ’s Mobile Workforce Project with the Vā Pasifika Lead, collectively these positions are responsible to engage, understand, and promote their work, to develop and innovate collaboratively, to develop and share insights, apply best practice, to be accountable for key outcomes’ progress and to evaluate all work and complete to the highest standard. Collectively this position will help lead, co-ordinate, enable and empower communities through volleyball. The Kaiārahi Maori Lead will be responsible for leading VNZ’s Maori Leadership Group and supporting VNZ staff and management with developing their understanding of tikana practices and te reo within our volleyball context. 

For the full job description, please click here.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through this SEEK AD by Tuesday 28 February, 2023. 

Poirewa Aotearoa/Volleyball NZ Vā Pasifika Lead 

The purpose of Volleyball in New Zealand is to connect and inspire people through the ‘ihiihi’ that the dynamic sport of Volleyball brings to every community.  The Vā Pasifika Lead will play a critical part in helping Poirewa Aotearoa/Volleyball NZ (VNZ) to achieve that purpose. They will work in partnership with Regional Associations and Pasifika communities to amplify, develop and support quality volleyball opportunities for aiga, kāinga, and other significant organisations that engage and service the Pasifika community.  

Fundamental to this role is the ability to build mana enhancing relationships with Pasifika communities in volleyball within identified Regional Associations, targeted organisations and people invested in volleyball. These relationships will provide opportunities for intergenerational, aiga/ kāinga and community engagement which enhances wellbeing.  

This role will co-lead VNZ’s Mobile Workforce Project with the Kāiarahi Māori Lead. Collectively these positions are responsible to engage, understand, and promote their work, to develop and innovate collaboratively, to develop and share insights, apply best practice, to be accountable for key outcomes’ progress and to evaluate all work and complete to the highest standard. Collectively this position will help lead, co-ordinate, enable and empower communities through volleyball. The Vā Pasifika Lead will be responsible for leading VNZ’s Pasifika Leadership Group and supporting VNZ staff and management with developing their understanding of Pasifika culture and relationships within our volleyball context. 

For the full job description, please click here.

To apply, please send your CV and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience through this SEEK AD  by Tuesday 28 February, 2023. 

Volleyball New Zealand Chief Executive Toni-Maree Carnie attended the biennial FIVB Congress from September 22-25 in Holland.

The 2022 Congress was held in person in Arnhem, coinciding with the opening ceremony of the Women's World Championships, after the 2020 edition was held online due to Covid-19.

Carnie said the Congress brought a range of opportunities to build relationships and learn from what is happening around the globe.

"Congress was a valuable networking opportunity to meet a number of other national federations to discuss their plans, learnings and challenges," Carnie said.

"It is not surprising that it seems no matter where you are in the world, many issues are the same and we can continue to learn from each other.

 "When you listen to Ukraine and Afghanistan share their stories though, it does put sport in perspective with life. We are very lucky to be able to freely play sport at all levels."

FIVB continues to support New Zealand in the form of a contribution to a High Performance Beach coach. FIVB’s focus for category 1 and 2 federations (including VNZ), continues to be in the form of beach resourcing and support.

 Volleyball New Zealand was also presented a plaque to celebrate 50 years of association with FIVB.

“It was an honour to receive on behalf of those who have gone before me,” said Carnie. “So many people have worked hard to bring volleyball in New Zealand to where it currently is and we are the better for their service and foresight."