After leaving Europe only a few years ago, Kayes has successfully led the Tauranga men’s program to several National League and U21 titles since his return to New Zealand.
Kayes will work alongside Angie Winstanley-Smith, who has been at the helm of the NZWP Women’s program since 2017. Under her leadership, the team achieved a commendable ninth place at the 2024 World Aquatics World Champs, narrowly missing Olympic qualification.
Commenting on his new role, Kayes expressed enthusiasm about the prospects: “I’m really excited to work with some of the talent I’ve seen over the last couple of years, guide our athletes, create pathways and opportunities, and ultimately aim towards representing our country at an Olympic Games.”
Further enhancing the men’s water polo landscape, NZWP will also be launching a new men’s athlete development hub in Tauranga. This initiative aims to bolster regional partnerships and enhance the sport’s visibility at the grassroots level.
The water polo community has shown tremendous support for this new direction, and there is a strong belief that Joe Kayes’ leadership will be instrumental as NZWP prepares for the upcoming 2028 and 2032 Olympic campaign cycles.
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