New Zealand Athletes Balance Dreams and Bills with Innovative Workforce

A unique solution has emerged in New Zealand to support high-performance athletes as they pursue their dreams while managing financial responsibilities. Elliott Jenkins, a member of the New Zealand U23 rowing team, founded Waipa Workforce in 2020. This labor hire company is staffed primarily by athletes, allowing them to earn income without sacrificing their rigorous training schedules.

Jenkins, who began his venture while training for rowing competitions, faced challenges in balancing traditional work hours with his athletic commitments. “I couldn’t physically go and do a 9-5, and didn’t want to hang the oars up,” he explained. Initially, Jenkins took on small local jobs, but as demand grew, so did his workforce, which now mainly consists of rowers and cyclists from the region.

Supporting Aspiring Athletes

Among the athletes benefiting from Waipa Workforce is Josh Gordon, who recently returned from rowing at Harvard. Gordon is striving to break into the national team, a pursuit that requires extensive daily training. “Before you actually get on the payroll with Rowing New Zealand, you have to train pretty hard, almost like it’s a full-time job, but you don’t have any money coming in,” he noted. The flexible work offered through Waipa Workforce has allowed him to balance training and earning.

Gordon emphasized the financial strain many athletes face, stating, “I’ve got to have some money coming in somehow to just pay bills, buy food and stuff, while training full-time.” He believes that many athletes are pursuing their professional dreams without substantial support from national bodies.

Jenkins, who also returned to New Zealand after rowing at an American university, has transitioned to pursue a professional golf career. He highlighted how receptive clients in Waikato have been to hiring a workforce made up of high-performance athletes.

Abby Boobyer from Love Club Hire has consistently utilized Waipa Workforce for setting up events. While her primary focus remains on business, she appreciates the opportunity to support young athletes. “It’s cool to support young guys that are out there having a go and following their dreams, but still have to make ends meet,” she said.

Work Ethic and Dedication

Boobyer also noted that the dedication required of athletes translates into a strong work ethic in the workforce. “Literally, the best work ethic you can really get, which I think is just a natural part of athletes and their personalities,” she added. This perspective reflects a broader recognition that the skills athletes develop in training can be beneficial in various job settings.

Gordon pointed out that there are many more athletes than most realize striving for professional status, often without adequate financial support. He described the journey to professional sport as a “grind,” emphasizing the need for perseverance. “There’s a long pathway to get to the top and you’ve just got to make it work somehow,” he remarked.

The innovative model of Waipa Workforce not only provides a financial lifeline for athletes but also fosters a supportive community that encourages them to continue their sporting endeavors. As high-performance sports in New Zealand continue to thrive, initiatives like this may prove essential in balancing the demands of training with the realities of everyday life.