Smashing the grass ceiling
Te Hā paitanga — Empowerment, diversity and thinking outside box
in an era in which the All Blacks’ supremacy has come under attack, the idea of injecting a fresh perspective, that of a woman, could be the shot in the arm needed for rejuvenation.
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “anything boys can do, girls can do better” might sound like a tired old phrase, but don’t dismiss it.
The importance of diversifying the coaching scene cannot be overstated. For too long, gender disparities and institutional roadblocks have been standing in the way of aspiring female coaches.
Diversity of thought brings new perspectives and fresh solutions to the problems in sport.
But fear not, because there’s a glimmer of hope on the horizon — enter Te Hā paitanga. This revolutionary programme isn’t just flipping through the coaching manual; it’s tearing it up and rewriting the rules, paving the road to a future in which gender is no longer a barrier to coaching success.
Te Hā paitanga’s journey has been one heck of a rollercoaster ride — it’s all about empowerment, diversity and thinking outside the box. Since day one, this programme has been on a mission to shake up the traditional coaching scene, giving female coaches the boost they need to thrive in the competitive world of highperformance sports.
One of Te Hā paitanga’s biggest wins? Increasing the number of women in high performance director roles. What started as a measly four women out of 28 national sporting organisations (NSOs) has now bloomed to a solid 12 out of 48.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. Steve Tew’s acknowledgment of the old-school mindset lingering in the industry is a reminder wehave some deep-rooted attitudes to shake off. Despite some folks brushing off initiatives for gender equity as “fluff”, the proof is in the pudding. Te Hā paitanga’s success stories speak for themselves, showing that breaking barriers isn’t just a pipe dream — it’s happening.
Let’s talk rugby. In this country, rugby is practically a religion, and the All Blacks are like the gods of the game.
The idea of a woman coaching the All Blacks might seem like a far-off dream , but mark my words, it’s not out of reach. It might take a decade or two to get there, what with the need to nurture a diverse pool of seasoned coaches and kick oldschool attitudes to the curb.
But with the kind of momentum programmes such as Te Hā patianga are building, who’s to say it’ll take that long? As the younger generation grows up in a world that values diversity and inclusivity, they’ll be more open to the idea of a woman leading the charge in men’s sports.
Te Hā paitanga isn’t just shaking things up on the sidelines — it’s making waves in sports management and administration, too. By getting more women into those decisionmaking roles, it’s reshaping the coaching landscape and making sure everyone’s voice is heard.
When you embrace different perspectives, you’re not just spicing up the playbook — you’re fuelling innovation. Te Hā paitanga’s commitment to empowering female coaches isn’t just a game-changer; it’s a new ball game, ushering in an era of inclusivity and excellence in sports like never before.
In an industry where tradition reigns supreme, Te Hā paitanga is the rebel with a cause. And as more women step up, grab those opportunities and smash through those grass ceilings, the future of coaching has never looked brighter.
In the end, Te Hā paitanga’s journey reminds us that change is not only possible but inevitable. And as we continue to champion equality and break down barriers, we move closer to a world where every aspiring coach, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to succeed.