About us
What is AAT?
Traditional funding models currently leave behind about half of all NZ athletes that qualify for major international competitions, such as the World Championships and Olympic Games. The Aotearoa Athletics Trust is committed to changing that! Our independent funding model enables us to nurture talent, connect alumni and create an environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential, with a particular focus on competing at the highest level.
Excellence
We believe in supporting athletes to reach the highest levels of their sport. Success at the International level requires years of dedication, training, and resilience. By providing the right resources and financial backing, we help athletes stay focused on their goals and perform at their absolute best.
Community
International success isn’t achieved alone—it takes a strong support system. We foster connections between athletes, sponsors, and the wider New Zealand community to create a network that uplifts and empowers our sporting talent. When we come together, we can help Kiwi athletes achieve greatness.
Commitment
The road to International success is long and demanding, requiring unwavering dedication. We are committed to providing long-term support for athletes, ensuring they have the funding, training opportunities, and mentorship they need to succeed—not just for one competition, but throughout their entire careers.
Why AAT?
Tom and Hamish founded Aotearoa Athletics Trust to foster growth and provide meaningful support for athletes at all levels across New Zealand.
Throughout their journey in athletics, they saw the challenges athletes face—access to resources, financial support, or finding the right opportunities to compete and develop.
This trust is about building a sustainable platform to nurture talent, connect alumni and create an environment where athletes can thrive and reach their full potential, with a particular focus on competing at the highest level.
Our Strategy
The Aotearoa Athletics Trust (AAT) plays a pivotal role in nurturing athletic talent and fostering community spirit. Through our initiatives, we empower athletes to achieve their dreams while positively impacting the lives of those around them.
- Independent Funding:
Generate independent revenue to support Kiwi athletes competing on the world stage, beyond the constraints of HPSNZ funding. - Innovative Fundraising:
Host unique events that engage the community, fostering connections between athletes, sponsors, and stakeholders. - Strategic Investment:
Reinvest funds strategically to grow the financial base and meet the evolving needs of New Zealand athletics. - Long-Term Sustainability:
Ensure long-term sustainability through an alternative funding model, building a resilient financial foundation for future growth. - Community Engagement:
Foster connections between past and present athletes, sponsors, and the broader community by creating a unique opportunity for alumni, sponsors, and athletes to interact through fundraising activities.
Tom Walsh
"Hopefully, this trust can reduce the reliance on family and ease the stress of fundraising to compete overseas. It’s about not having to depend on sponsors or work as much, so athletes can focus solely on their performance and goals."
Hamish Kerr
“One of the reasons I wanted to start this trust is because the level of stress associated with competing on the global stage is high enough without also worrying about where your next meal is coming from. Removing this financial stress was essential for my development as an athlete.”
Our Journey: Milestones and Achievements
The Aotearoa Athletics Trust has a rich history of supporting athletes since its inception. Join us as we celebrate our milestones and the impact we've made.
2010
Foundation Established
In 2010, the Aotearoa Athletics Trust was founded to promote athletics in New Zealand. Our mission has been to nurture talent and support athletes at all levels.
2015
First Major Event
In 2015, we organised our first major athletics event, bringing together athletes from across the country. This event marked a significant step in our commitment to fostering athletic talent.
2020
New Initiatives Launched
In 2020, we launched several new initiatives aimed at enhancing athlete support and development. These initiatives have been instrumental in elevating the standard of athletics in Aotearoa.
2023
Future Goals Set
As we move into 2023, we are setting ambitious goals to further enhance our support for athletes. Our vision is to ensure every athlete has the resources they need to succeed.
“The support from Aotearoa Athletics Trust has been a game-changer in my journey as an athlete. Knowing I have the backing of a community that believes in me allows me to focus entirely on my training and performance. This trust is making a real difference for Kiwi athletes chasing their Olympic dreams.”
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Sponsor an Athlete
Make a direct impact by supporting a New Zealand athlete on their journey to international success.