Kia ora,
- Japan course dates are live – bookings are open now.
- Membership reminders for 2026.
- ISIA Stamp update – second language requirement removed.
- NZSIA Instructor of the Year Nominees for 2025.
- NZSIA Demo Team Selected for Interski.
- Details on the WWSO Summit in Austria.
- A reminder on resort trespass policy.
- North Island: Women’s Development Days – Spaces Still Available!
Japan Courses for 2025 Now Open – Book Early
Japan course dates are now live on the NZSIA Dates & Prices pages. You can book directly through your NZSIA Member Profile.
Key things to know for 2025/26:
- Dates will be released over the next week or so.
- Remember you must be current for 2026, to stay on a 2026 course – failure to do so will mean your booking is cancelled.
- No waitlists this year – once a course is full, it’s full.
- Only general interest lists will be held.
- Spaces are limited, so book as early as possible.
🔗 Ski Courses in Japan 2025/26
🔗 Snowboard Courses in Japan 2025/26
Membership Reminder – Stay Current for 2026
To stay on a 2026 course, your membership must already be current for 2026.
Remember:
- Membership renewals are due 1 January each year.
- If you’ve booked a 2026 course, your 2026 membership must already be active.
- Failure to renew will result in losing your place.
👉 Check your membership status in your NZSIA Profile
📢ISIA Stamp Update – Second Language Requirement Removed
Great news for members working towards the ISIA Stamp: the second language test is no longer required.
- The ISIA Stamp remains a recognised mark of international professionalism.
- All other requirements remain unchanged.
- This change makes the pathway fairer and more accessible worldwide.
👉 Review the updated ISIA criteria here
If you have any questions, contact your divisional manager or the NZSIA office. 2026 stamps are coming soon – watch this space.
Celebrating Excellence: Instructor of the Year 2025 Nominees
Each year, the NZSIA Instructor of the Year award recognises the dedication, skill, and passion of New Zealand’s top snowsports instructors. This year, we had 8 outstanding nominees:
- Ben Coad (Whakapapa)
- Bob Irwin (Cardrona)
- Harry Atkinson (Mt Hutt)
- Meg Hoyland (Tūroa)
- Jake Divett (Tūroa)
- Hamish Jarvis (Coronet Peak)
- Kristy Bishop (The Remarkables)
- Alix Shoosmith (Coronet Peak & The Remarkables)
Each has made an incredible contribution to snowsports instruction, inspiring students and colleagues across the country.
Meet the top four instructors vying for this prestigious title:
Alexandra Shoosmith – Coronet Peak & The Remarkables
Alix, affectionately known as “Shooey,” is a dynamic leader and mentor, inspiring instructors and guests alike with her positivity, expertise, and attention to detail. She excels in every role, from children’s lessons to instructor training, leaving a lasting impact across NZSki.
Hamish Jarvis – Coronet Peak
Hamish is a quiet achiever whose skill and dedication shine through every lesson. His ability to connect with guests, foster confidence, and deliver top-tier instruction makes him a standout instructor.
Meg Hoyland – Tūroa
Meg brings energy, enthusiasm, and passion to every lesson. Her engaging teaching style, professionalism, and positive attitude ensure students of all ages have fun while learning.
Ben Coad – Whakapapa
Ben is a passionate instructor whose encouraging style motivates students and makes learning enjoyable. His commitment to guest experience and ability to create memorable lessons set him apart at Whakapapa.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the NZSIA Instructor of the Year 2025 at the upcoming Snow Sports NZ awards night – an occasion to celebrate these incredible instructors and their contribution to New Zealand snowsports!
NZSIA Demo Team Selected for Interski Vail 2027!
- Felix Lempriere
- Francesca Pavillard-Cain
- Sam Liggins
- Harry McFadden
- Lena-May Peraudo
- Naoko Adams
- Campbell Mason
- Yusuke Inoue
WWSO Summit 2026 – Kaprun, Austria
Following her inspiring visit to our Women’s Summit, Chris Walch invites NZSIA members to the global WWSO Summit.
Details:
Location: Kaprun, Austria
Dates: 12–17 April 2026
Highlights: on-snow clinics, off-snow workshops, and networking with leaders from over 12 countries.
👉 Find out more and register here
🚫Resort Trespass Policy – Important Reminder
We’ve had a few incidents this season, so here’s a reminder:
- If you are issued with a trespass notice at a resort, you cannot participate in NZSIA courses, exams, or activities for the duration of the trespass.
- Your membership will be suspended for the same period.
- You must disclose any active trespass notice to bookings@nzsia.org
- NZSIA may cancel or decline enrolments where trespass prevents participation.
- Repeated trespass could lead to permanent membership expulsion.
- Immigration NZ may be notified where work rights are breached.
👉 A quick reminder for anyone considering teaching in New Zealand: you must have both the appropriate work visa and permission from the ski resort you intend to work at.
It is illegal to work in New Zealand without a valid visa, and Immigration New Zealand carries out checks. Likewise, instructing without approval from the resort is a breach of their policies and may result in removal from the mountain and being barred from future opportunities.
For further information, please refer to the NZSIA Trespass Policy.
North Island: Women’s Development Days – Spaces Still Available!
We’ve got two fantastic professional development opportunities coming up this month at Tūroa, and we’d love to see more of you join in. Now is the perfect time to sign up and make the most of these inspiring days on snow.
Ski Women’s Development Day – North Island (Level One and above)
📅 Thursday 26 September
Snowboard Women’s Development Day – North Island (Level One and above)
📅 Sunday 29 September
These days are designed to create a supportive environment where women can:
Build confidence in their skiing or riding
Develop new skills with tailored coaching
Connect and network with like-minded instructors
Grow professionally in a positive, encouraging setting
Whether you’re looking to take the next step in your instructing journey or simply want to share a day on snow with other women in the industry, this is a brilliant opportunity to focus on your own development.
👉 Spots are open — register now through your NZSIA profile and be part of it!
That’s a Wrap
Big thanks to everyone who’s joined us on courses this season so far, it’s been awesome riding and learning alongside you here in NZ.
As we look ahead to the Northern Hemisphere, we’re excited to see NZSIA instructors progressing and representing internationally.
Thanks for staying connected! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.
Ngā mihi nui,
The NZSIA Team