HOW TO APPLY

Pinnacle is a sports support programme with a very specific task. To help young New Zealand sportspeople to become world champions.

As well as providing fi nancial and vehicle support, it has an important role as mentor for the athlete in a wide range of skills surrounding their performance, mostly outside the point of competition: skills which consistently prove to be crucial for Kiwis seeking success at the highest international level. The organisation contracts to support the athlete for a period of 12 – 24 months, with the stated aim of winning a world title or equivalent at the end of that period. At any one time, the programme supports several athletes. Applications are accepted from young competitors of any recognised New Zealand sport.

Pinnacle is totally supported by Hyundai Motors New Zealand, major backers of New Zealand sport and community activities.

You can download the application form from the application form section on this page. The form has all the information you need. Application forms are also available from Hyundai Dealerships, nationwide.

You can apply at any time and athletes are admitted to the Pinnacle programme at regular intervals throughout the year, according to their sports schedule.

It pays to make your application early to allow plenty of time for consideration. Preferably, that's a few months ahead of the point where you wish to enter the 12 to 24 month mentor programme in the build-up for your world title bid.

You may have support currently or have had in the past by other organisations such as SPARC/Academy of Sport, or private groups. If you are currently receiving mentor assistance in any of the Twelve Pillars, we'll supplement that work as required.

Assistance we provide

 

MENTORING

Pinnacle gives you tuition in three key areas. 

Personal, professional and organisational skills.

For your personal development in both sport and life, you’ll receive assistance for:

 

  • your motivational and psychological approach to the sport overall
  • mental preparation for the event
  • competitive analysis
  • risk assessment
  • family, friends and relationships
  • the price of fame.

 

For your professional career development, we’ll help with:

 

  • a career plan
  • finances, legals and insurances
  • reaching media
  • reacting to media
  • sponsors, contracts and marketability
  • public profile.

 

We call these the Twelve Pillars. Together, they’re the most valuable assistance your career can receive. Each of these elements can be vital to your international success. 

Successful applicants receive direct mentor support to meet their needs. Most athletes have already addressed some of the Twelve Pillars and we supplement that work where needed. Additionally we mentor the athlete (and parents where required) in each of the other elements, to the point where they are competent and organised in all twelve sectors. 

Mentoring comes from professionals and senior athletes inside and associated with the Pinnacle organisation.

TRANSPORT

Hyundai and your local dealer will supply you with a new Hyundai vehicle while you are contracted to Pinnacle. Other transport assistance will be provided where appropriate.

FINANCIAL

Pinnacle is not a financial sponsor. However we may provide some financial support in specific areas. 

 

Athlete profile

 

YOUNG SPORTSPEOPLE

We’re very definite about the type of athletes we want to support. To qualify, you have to be young. Obviously different sports bring athletes onto the world stage at different ages. But we want to get behind the sports where the competitors at the top of their field are young.

PEOPLE WHO SHARE OUR VALUES

We’re also looking for people who share Hyundai’s values. Because like you, we’re striving to be world champions too. Here are our stated brand values:

 

  • Be the best
  • Act with integrity
  • Find a better way
  • People make the difference

 

SOMEONE WITH THE POTENTIAL TO SUCCEED

We’re after someone with a clear path to become a world champion (or equivalent) in the next 12 to 24 months. And that will take talent, flair, strength, intelligence, determination, and a wholesome image.

THE X FACTOR

Possibly the most important criterion of all, that vital extra that makes Kiwis successful on the world stage.

 

About Pinnacle

 

Pinnacle is run by an Advisory Board of sports professionals and executives:

 

  • Howard Spencer, Managing Director and CEO, Hyundai Motors New Zealand Ltd - Auckland (Chairman)
  • Richard Giltrap, Joint Managing Director, Giltrap Group Holdings
  • Simon Peterson, Chief Executive of Rowing NZ, formerly Chairman of Paralympics NZ - Hamilton
  • Ian Miles, Chief Executive of Pinnacle - Christchurch

 

Funding for the Pinnacle organisation is provided by Hyundai Motors New Zealand, winner of a SPARC Award for Media Sponsorship and numerous other accolades.

Hyundai is certainly no stranger to sports sponsorship in New Zealand, the direct supporter of leading athletes and a wide range of sports from bowls to surfing.

Internationally, Hyundai is a major sponsor of the Olympics, football and many other sports and individuals.

What’s more Hyundai is the fastest-growing mainstream vehicle brand in New Zealand, and the only one 100% locally owned and operated. The South Korean manufacturer’s range of 4WD SUVs and passenger cars wins worldwide praise and respect for its hot new designs, safety, reliability and value for money.

 

Application form

 

Applications are open at all times and athletes are admitted to the Pinnacle programme at regular intervals throughout the year, according to their sport schedule.

Please make your application early to allow plenty of time for consideration, preferably a few months ahead of the point where you wish to enter the 12 – 24 month mentor programme in buildup to your world title bid.

To submit your written application, get it signed by the Dealer Principal of your local Hyundai dealership and put it in the post.

Pinnacle will speak to your reference providers and we may choose to see you in competition.

If successful, you will be contracted for the period of your mentor programme, establishing requirements, expectations and goals of both athlete and Pinnacle.

You may be supported currently or in the past by other organisations, possibly SPARC / Academy of Sport or private groups.

If you are currently receiving mentor assistance in any of the Twelve Pillars, we will supplement that work as required. Complete the form on the next page.

Attach one or more sheets of Career CV, outlining your career to date and your aspirations, particularly your prospects for success at world championship or equivalent level in the next 12 – 24 months.

State clearly what level of support you are currently receiving from within your sport; from SPARC, Academy of Sport or other Government-backed organisations; from private organisations; from sponsors, etc. Please be clear about support you currently receive, and assistance you may require, in the Twelve Pillars areas of mentor support.

Secure the endorsement of a representative of your sport, on the form.

Please do not waste valuable resource glamourising this application: you will not be judged on the presentation of the documents, as long as they are clean and tidy, clearly introducing your career. If you meet the criteria, we will give ample further consideration to your case on its merits.

Click here to download an application form