The first-ever New Zealand Inline Hockey open tournament took place in May 1995, and shortly after, in August of that same year, the New Zealand Inline Hockey Association (NZIHA) was officially established.

Inline hockey traces its roots to the USA, but its popularity quickly spread worldwide. Today, the sport is played extensively across Europe, North America, South America, Asia, and Australasia. The Senior World Championships are held annually, bringing together the top 16 countries based on a rigorous qualification and seeding process.

New Zealand first earned a spot in the World Championships after qualifying at the Asia-Pacific Qualification Tournament in 1999 and has continued to compete through the international qualification system.

In 2009, Inline Hockey New Zealand was officially registered with the Charities Commission, further solidifying its role in promoting and growing the sport across the country. All member clubs of Inline Hockey New Zealand (formerly NZIHA) are required to be incorporated under the Incorporated Societies Act, with objectives aligned to those of the national governing body.

IHNZ Mission Statement.
To promote and grow inline hockey through the provision of opportunities to participate at all levels within our community.

IHNZ Vision Statement.
To set the standard of excellence for Inline Hockey by providing first class programs and instruction, that contributes to the development of our players and our sport. 

IHNZ Values.
Inline Hockey New Zealand embodies the following principles and values within our sport: 

• Respect
• Equality
• Discipline
• Fairness
• Teamwork

IHNZ is affiliated to:

• SkateNZ, and through SkateNZ, to World Skate.

• New Zealand Ice Hockey Federation (NZIHF), and through NZIHF, to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF).