Sector Update
Sector Update
Kia ora koutou,
As we enter the season of Matariki, it felt like perfect timing this week to be celebrating and recognising the great mahi being done by individuals and organisations in our sector at the New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards. Thank you and congratulations again to all of the finalists and winners. Read more on them below.
The Connections Conference this week also saw sector leaders come together to explore how technology and digital transformation can be used to engage more effectively with our rangatahi and take our sector to different levels. There is much to learn and grapple within this space, but I hope those who attended felt inspired and excited by the challenge and now have a better understanding of the next steps required.
Next week sees a new chapter as the Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission is officially formed. This represents a big step-change in how integrity services will be delivered into the future, and I would like to acknowledge everyone who has had a part to play, both past and present, in the formation of the new Commission. The organisation is an independent Crown entity and I would like to congratulate Rebecca Rolls on her appointment as the inaugural Chief Executive.
With less than a month to go, the countdown is well and truly on to the Olympics and Paralympics. On behalf of the sector, I would like to wish all the NSOs with athletes, coaches and support staff attending all the very best. And all the best to the NZ Olympic Committee and Paralympics NZ as they lead our teams into the wonders of a Paris Games. I am sure we are all preparing the alarm clocks for some early morning cheering!
And finally, back to the theme of celebration, a shout out to the volunteers as part of Volunteer Week last week. So much of the work done in our sector couldn’t happen without the volunteers who make a big impact every day, so thank you for all you do.
Enjoy the long weekend and take the time to celebrate all that is Matariki. Whether it be returning home, sharing food with whānau and friends or spending time with loved ones. Mānawatia a Matariki.
Ngā mihi,
Raelene
LATEST NEWS
Read about the latest news across Aotearoa.
New Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission launching 1 July
On 1 July, the new Integrity Sport and Recreation Commission will be formed, and take responsibility for safeguarding sport in Aotearoa New Zealand. This means functions formerly performed by Sport NZ and Drug Free Sport NZ will fold into the Commission, along with a range of sector-facing integrity support services.
From 1 July 2024, participants and the sector can raise integrity matters, and get general guidance and support, by contacting the Commission at sportintegrity.nz (the site will not be live until 1 July). The Sport and Recreation Complaints and Mediation Service (SRCMS) will now become part of the Commission, as will Drug Free Sport NZ anti-doping and education services.
Make sure you are aware of the work of the Commission and the role it will play supporting safety and fairness in sport and active recreation by signing up to regular updates. There is still an opportunity to contribute to the finalisation of a Code of Integrity for Sport and Recreation in the coming months, so make sure you are on the list. Sign up now.
Winners announced for 2024 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards
People from across the country’s play, active recreation and sport sector gathered at Aotea Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Monday 24 June to acknowledge the winners of the 2024 New Zealand Sport and Recreation Awards, all of whom have made outstanding contributions towards helping New Zealanders get, and remain, physically active.
Read about the winners.
Te Au Mātāhae Leadership Programme applications are open now
Are you a second or third tier leader in the sector who leads people, projects or areas of work? The Te Au Mātāhae leadership programme is open for applications and offers a unique chance to create deep relationships and further develop leadership skills.
Read more and apply for the next cohort.
COMMUNITY STORIES
Here are some stories from the community we didn’t want you to miss.
Students take a lead role in creating playful neighbourhoods
Cleaning up graffiti and rubbish, making walkways safer and adding murals and footpath designs are just some of the projects underway in neighbourhoods as a result of putting tamariki at the heart of a new initiative to create ways to play.
Check out this video of Kauri Flats School in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland where students have been involved in the decision-making to bring more play into their neighbourhood.
Netball New Zealand celebrates world first with 100th milestone
Congratulations to Netball New Zealand (NNZ) who has recently become the first national netball body in the world to reach the 100-year milestone. “To become the first country in the world to celebrate 100 years of netball is an amazing achievement and marks a very special day for us,” NNZ chief executive Jennie Wyllie said.
Read more about the milestone.
NEW RESOURCES
Environmental Sustainability Guidelines for Spaces and Places
These new guidelines have been developed for Sport NZ by a team of consultants and a project steering group selected from the sector. They are intended to help Territorial Authorities and sport and recreation organisations navigate issues, improve operations and support decision-making relating to environmental sustainability that affects spaces and places.
Read more and download the guidelines.
New research: Disability sport in community clubs
The provision of sport for disabled people was a key focus of the 2023 National Sport Club Survey – an annual snapshot of Aotearoa New Zealand’s 7,500 sport clubs. The survey provides insights into how community sport clubs around the country are providing participation opportunities and being inclusive of disabled people. See the infographic or read more in the report on our website.
Don’t forget to check out the disability section of the Inclusivity Hub for a range of resources supporting inclusive practices, organisational policies, procedures and strategy.
Voice of Participant Research Report, 2016 - 2023
A new research report based on the Voice of Participant (VoP) survey is out now. Conducted in collaboration with National Sports Organisations (NSOs), this survey collects valuable feedback from participants about their experiences, motivations, and challenges within their sports clubs from 2016 to 2023.
Read the key findings in the infographic or read the full report.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Closing soon: Applications for the Sport NZ Graduate Programme 2025
We’ve had an awesome response to the opening of the 2025 Sport NZ Graduate Programme. Thanks to everyone who has helped us reach prospective new grads! With a week to go until applications close, there is still time for any last-minute applications. Whether you know a young person, have someone in your network, or they’re on your radar as a budding leader, please share this opportunity with your networks.
Applications close Friday 5 July and should be submitted through Sport NZ’s careers page.
It’s My Move launches new toolkit
In our new It’s My Move resources we have practical advice, suggestions and tools for anyone wanting to grow their knowledge of young women’s participation and create events and opportunities specifically for young women. We hope you love the new checklist and it helps when getting events and initiatives off the ground.
GOVERNANCE
NZ Football awarded with the Governance Mark renewal
We’d like to congratulate New Zealand Football for being awarded with the Governance Mark renewal this month. This achievement is a reflection of their continued commitment and strong leadership in the sector. Read on about this achievement and learn more about external governance evaluation and prioritising the development of your board.
