Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa is launching a campaign titled ‘Let’s Build the Future of Squash Together’, as the national body looks to implement a raft of exciting changes to improve player experience.

The campaign has officially launched today.

The initiative is being run as Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa makes changes to the way the game is run in New Zealand, in efforts to future proof the sport.

Upcoming changes include a new grading system, new member management platform, a new club affiliation model, and uplift to club facilities and coaching programmes. The successful revival of the New Zealand Squash Open, which attracted a fantastic field and crowd in 2022, is also one of the initiatives. The Open returns this December as part of the New Zealand Festival of Squash.

The campaign is calling for volunteers to become ‘Club Change Leaders’ to help roll out the changes at clubs around the country. Anyone wishing to volunteer can register their interest here.

New Zealand squash stars Joelle King and Paul Coll have been involved in the development of the changes and are calling for New Zealand’s squash community to get onboard.

“This is a great opportunity to make a lasting impact on the sport we all love,” says Coll.

“I’m really excited about these positive changes and looking forward to the great future they’re going to create for squash in New Zealand.”

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson says the changes will see New Zealand offering a more user-friendly squash experience.

“We’ve got a great product, squash is a fantastic sport and these changes are going to improve the experience for everyone playing squash in New Zealand,” said Dowson.

“Ultimately we’re modernising and protecting the sport for the future by enhancing the experience for players.”

Dowson says 18-months of work has taken place to get to this point, with strong engagement from the squash community gathered through consultation and roadshows.

“These changes will help to support clubs, reduce volunteer time, result in better guidance and leadership from us at Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa, and ultimately lead to a better experience for participants,” said Dowson.

Further details about the changes will be communicated to squash players through Clubs, Club Change Leaders, newsletters and on socials channels.