Auckland Badminton Association (ABA) is proud to release the Rapid Review of Performance Programmes, Structures and Systems — a landmark project from our first 100-day work plan that signals a bold new era for performance badminton in Auckland.

Commissioned in response to declining results and stakeholder feedback, this review represents a clear and deliberate commitment to restoring ABA’s position as the leading badminton association in New Zealand. The review sets the foundation for long-term change, built on evidence, consultation, and a shared ambition to support the next generation of high-performing athletes.

“This is one of the major pillars of our initial work plan,” said General Manager Hamish Meacheam. “We’re proud to now be sharing this report with our stakeholders — not just to close the feedback loop, but to mark a new era of transparency, structure, and performance in our programme.”

What We Did

To complete the review, ABA gathered insights from across the performance badminton community. This included:

• One-on-one interviews with staff, coaches, and board members
• Forums and conversations with players, parents, and volunteers
• Benchmarking discussions with Badminton North Harbour and Badminton New Zealand
• Surveys of athletes and families
• Expert input from national and international high-performance specialists

This wide-ranging engagement has provided a comprehensive and evidence-based picture of where we are — and where we need to go.

What We Found

The review identified five key challenges:

• Inconsistent coaching quality and expectations
• A fragmented and repetitive training structure
• Poor communication and limited transparency
• Stakeholder disengagement and lack of clarity
• A gap between current programmes and national performance standards

These issues have contributed to uncertainty, frustration, and — most importantly — missed opportunities for talented athletes across Auckland.

What’s Next

The release of this report is not the end — it is the beginning.Over the coming months, ABA will take clear, staged action to rebuild a high-performance system that is structured, inclusive, and capable of delivering elite outcomes.

Immediate next steps include:

• Improved communication systems for parents, players, and coaches
• Training improvements, including more targeted match play and feedback
• The development of a new Performance Strategy to guide ABA’s long-term approach
• Benchmarking and collaboration with other leading associations
• A full relaunch of the performance pathway in October 2025, featuring clearer squad structures, individualised development plans, and strengthened coaching standards

Thank You to Our Contributors

ABA extends a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this process. From the athletes who shared their experiences, to the parents, coaches, staff, and external experts who gave their time and insights — this report reflects your voices and your commitment to our shared future.

A Turning Point

The release of this report is more than a box ticked — it is a turning point for the performance programme at ABA. We are under no illusion about the work ahead, but we are equally clear in our commitment: to build a performance environment worthy of Auckland’s legacy, and to develop the next generation of national and international badminton talent.

“The next phase begins now,” Meacheam said. “We’re building something our athletes — and Auckland — can be proud of.”

Article added: Friday 13 June 2025