Three-time Olympian and former Black Stick, Samantha Child and Commonwealth Games medalist and five-time national champion boxer, Troy Garton, are among the latest graduates of the NZOC Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme, following a ceremony held at Government House this afternoon.

As part of the fourth cohort of Wāhine Toa participants, Child and Garton worked on a special project looking at pregnancy in high performance sport, exploring how better support and understanding could improve experiences for athletes. The pair created mini podcasts with athletes as part of their final presentation, drawing on lived experience to prompt discussion and challenge thinking across the sport system.

The pair were part of a wider group of former New Zealand Team athletes who officially graduated today after completing the leadership programme and presenting their final special projects.

Wāhine Toa supports women transitioning from high performance sport into leadership roles, with a focus on governance, influence and system change. The programme combines workshops, mentoring and group‑based project work designed to deliver practical learning and real‑world impact across sport in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“I came into the programme trying to find my feet and next steps after retiring,” said Child.

“I knew I wanted to stay connected with sport so my hope was I'd start to figure that out by absorbing the experiences of everyone else. This programme gave me the chance to connect with people that I wouldn’t have otherwise, and what I've learned from those connections is invaluable,” she said.

Garton said the programme gives participants confidence, something she called on in the early stages.

“I remember coming into the first day and I saw Adine Wilson on the list, now I don’t fan girl anybody, but I thought, ‘I can’t believe I’m doing a programme with her, she’s so amazing',” said Garton.

“So there were nerves for sure, but then I realised there was nothing to be worried about, we’re all just people who have gone through different journeys and have something to offer the group,” she said.

The graduation ceremony at Government House, warmly hosted by Her Excellency Dame Cindy Kiro, formally welcomed the latest cohort into the growing Wāhine Toa alumni network, which now includes leaders contributing across governance, coaching, administration and advocacy roles.

NZOC Programme Coordinator Cathleen Bias said a key part of the Wāhine Toa programme was ensuring motherhood was not a barrier to participation.

“We encourage our participants to bring their children along and we provide a nanny service to help out. This is about creating a space for our special wāhine to thrive alongside their children,” Bias said.

NZOC Chief Executive Nicki Nicol said Wāhine Toa is a programme the organisation is immensely proud of, as it continues to strengthen leadership capability across New Zealand sport.

“These women all have their own unique insights into the high performance sport environment so hearing their ideas and challenges is hugely beneficial for the whole sector,” Nicol said.

2025–26 Wāhine Toa graduates

• Portia Bing – Athletics
• Jodi Brown – Netball
• Samantha Child – Hockey
• Sam Dunn – Sailing
• Troy Garton – Boxing
• Nikki Hamblin – Athletics
• Britt Hawes – Freeski
• Justina Kitchen – Sailing
• Janina Kuzma – Freeski
• Stephanie McKenzie – Cycling
• Jo Morrison – Netball
• Tiffiney Perry – Wheelchair Tennis
• Adine Wilson – Netball

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