TNZ member organisations Ace Taekwondo, New Zealand Taekwondo Alliance and the Taekwondo Union of New Zealand, sent a total of 12 New Zealand referees to the 49th International Referee Seminar held in Sydney during January.  The seminar was organised by the recently formed Oceania Taekwondo Union and over 80 participants from Korea, USA, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Palau, Guam, Afganistan, Nepal, England, Tonga, Fiji, Kiribati, Titahi, Australia and New Zealand attended.

Held over three days, it comprehensively covered all aspects of refereeing; the new WTF international competition rules, scoring, hand signals and interpretations.  Lead by Hong Ki Kim, WTF Director of Refereeing who was assisted by Master Seng Kim from Australia, the seminar consisted of theory, practical work, and testing.

 As well as being an opportunity to increase knowledge, improve skills, and gain an internationally recognised qualification, it was also a chance to meet Taekwondo practitioners from other countries away from the atmosphere of tournament competition.

 Having a pool of international referees available will enable New Zealand to contribute more actively to Taekwondo development in the Oceania region, as well as help fulfil the goal of continuous improvement in officials skills at local and national tournaments.

There was also a visit to New Zealand by Great-Grandmaster Hae Man Park, 10th Dan, and a "living legend" in Korea.  He held seminars in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, and presented five Kukkiwon Diploma's for service to Taekwondo.  Very few of these are given out.  There is an article on the TNZ website: https://www.taekwondonz.org.nz/newsrelease4.htm
 
The TNZ photo gallaries have not been linked to the website yet, but photos from these two events are available here: https://www.499angels.net/chchtkd/