The Wellington Phoenix have helped launch New Zealand’s first dedicated sports school.
New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa (NZPAA) has been announced as the country’s latest charter school at a special event at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) in Upper Hutt today (Monday, October 20).
The Phoenix are a founding tenant at NZCIS and the new co-educational school for students in years 11-13 will be located there too when it opens in term one 2026.
NZPAA will initially offer elite training in football, under the guidance of the Phoenix academy, and rugby with plans to expand into other sports – informed by the passions and talents of its students.
The school will run independently of the Wellington Phoenix, but is the brainchild of the football club which has seen firsthand the educational challenges its academy players face.
Phoenix general manager David Dome says NZPAA aims to strike the balance between academic excellence and athletic ambition.
“For too long, talented young athletes have had to choose between pursuing their education and chasing their sporting dreams,” Dome said.
“NZPAA changes that. It’s a space where students can thrive in both the classroom and in the sports arena, supported by a curriculum that is rigorous, but flexible and deeply relevant to their goals.
“NZPAA students will benefit from top-tier coaching, personalised support, flexible scheduling, and a learning environment that fosters leadership, resilience, wellbeing, and academic success.
“The syllabus will integrate NCEA qualifications and the New Zealand Curriculum, with a holistic focus on financial literacy, mental health, nutrition, healthy relationships, and mentorship—preparing students not just for sport, but for life.”
The NZPAA board is made up of passionate, high-calibre individuals including renowned business leader Brett O’Riley.
“The board share a united vision: to empower the next generation of athletes and leaders through education that truly understands their journey,” O’Riley said.
“The Phoenix have done an incredible amount of work to bring NZPAA to life and it will undoubtedly benefit students from all sports, not just football.
“We’re incredibly proud to be launching New Zealand’s first dedicated sports school, and we believe NZPAA will be a game-changer for young athletes across the country.”
For more information go to www.nzpaa.school.nz and to register your interest as a student or staff member email enquries@nzpaa.school.nz.
Main image: Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome (left), Associate Minister of Education David Seymour (centre) and NZPAA board member Brett O’Riley (right) pose for a photo at NZCIS at the announcement of New Zealand Performance Academy Aotearoa.
